Credibility is a fundamental asset of Tally Travel, just as it is for any reputable news organization. To protect this credibility, editorial staff members must take special care to avoid conflicts of interest or any actions that might undermine their journalistic integrity. Full and timely disclosure of outside activities by employees is essential to the success of this policy. Adherence to these guidelines will ensure that Tally Travel maintains its professional standards and reputation for fairness and honesty.
- Outside Organization/Financial Matters.
Involvement in local and online communities is encouraged for all editorial staff members. Engagement with public activities and groups helps to connect and explain the work of the news website, reinforcing our commitment to public issues. However, such participation may present a risk to journalistic integrity, especially if it leads to the perception that Tally Travel’s coverage could be swayed by a staff member’s personal or financial interests.
While it’s essential to maintain credibility and integrity, the boundaries can sometimes be unclear. To determine acceptable levels of participation, staff must disclose any ongoing or proposed activities, relationships, investments, or dealings to their supervisor that could jeopardize Tally Travel’s credibility or conflict with its interests. If a conflict arises, the staff member must promptly inform their supervisor and remove themselves from editorial decisions related to the conflict.To prevent further conflicts, staff should not use their position or the Tally Travel name to gain personal advantages. For example, when applying for loans or other financial transactions, it is normal to disclose where you work, your job title, and salary, which should not pose a conflict unless a concern arises—at which point staff should consult with their supervisor. Tally Travel business cards or stationery should only be used for company matters. Staff should not use their affiliation to resolve personal disputes, expedite service, or seek discounts.
Staff members should avoid writing about, photographing, editing, or making news decisions about individuals with whom they have a close personal or financial relationship unless they disclose the relationship and receive confirmation from a supervisor that there’s no conflict or perception of one.
Fundraising efforts, no matter how admirable, may create a conflict of interest or the appearance of one. The general rule is that staff should not lend their name or participate in fundraising, even if Tally Travel is not mentioned explicitly. Editorial employees must never solicit money or assistance from organizations or individuals covered by Tally Travel. This rule excludes minor activities like church collections or selling cookies, but anything beyond that needs prior approval from the Managing Editor.
- Outside Endeavors.
Outside employment or compensation is only allowed when editorial supervisors determine that it does not pose a conflict of interest or interfere with a staff member’s job performance. Staff must disclose any such arrangements: (a) to the editor upon receiving an employment offer; (b) annually via the required form; and (c) to a deputy managing editor or higher before engaging in any project that involves providing written, oral, photographic, or digital content for any non-Reaction Media company.
As a general guideline, staff members will not be permitted to write, edit, or provide content for any competing print, digital, or broadcast publication. Editors may determine that other activities could also represent conflicts of interest. Editors also reserve the right to withdraw approval for activities as circumstances change.
Companies that publish news and information online are in direct competition with Tally Travel for both readers and advertising revenue. If a freelance arrangement is approved by editors, it will be subject to agreements regarding promotional considerations with the other interactive publisher. No material originally published on Tally Travel or its affiliated publications may be posted on another online platform without permission from the Managing Editor.
Staff are prohibited from using Tally Travel’s supplies, materials, or content in any outside endeavors. - Breaking News and Unpublished Information.
If a staff member acquires news, information, or materials that may be used by Tally Travel or its affiliated companies, they must promptly inform their supervisor, whether the information pertains directly to their beat or not. Staff members are prohibited from sharing such materials with any entity other than Tally Travel without prior approval from a division editor. - Endorsements.
Staff members must not endorse or participate in commercials, promotions, or advertisements for any product or company not owned or controlled by Reaction Media. Great care should be taken to avoid any appearance of endorsement that could suggest a staff member was influenced by favors or other benefits. - Additional Work for Tally Travel.
Editorial staff cannot receive additional compensation for work that falls within their job description. However, they may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses or receive overtime pay when applicable. The fee for reviewing a book or record is an exception. Editors are not eligible for extra pay for any assignments, including reviews. - Seminars, Honoraria, and Complimentary Tickets.
Tally Travel will cover legitimate expenses for staff members on assignment. Staff invited to speak or participate in seminars may accept free travel, lodging, and honoraria if the Managing Editor has approved the trip and payment.
Complimentary tickets or free admission to events like concerts or charity fundraisers may be accepted by staff members covering the event or attending as part of their job duties. Tally Travel may also cover the cost for additional staff members to attend.
Staff should not accept free tickets for personal enjoyment or “special offers” aimed at media members.
Staff members should avoid attending PR events unless assigned to cover them or authorized by job responsibilities. This includes junkets or private receptions. When feasible, Tally Travel will pay for expenses related to such assignments. - Awards and Prizes.
Tally Travel is selective in submitting staff work for awards, focusing on contests that recognize journalistic excellence. We avoid contests that primarily aim to promote the sponsoring organization. Staff wishing to enter their work into such contests should consult with their supervisors.
Staff members offered awards or monetary prizes must notify supervisors and obtain approval before accepting. Many groups offer awards as a way to gain media favor, and it is important to avoid participating in such activities if that’s their primary goal. - Gifts, Merchandise, and Review Copies.
Staff should not solicit gifts, cash, or services of value. Unsolicited merchandise valued beyond a keychain will be donated to charity, and staff will be informed of the donation.
Merchandise used in stories should be either purchased by Tally Travel or returned to the source immediately. If returning items isn’t practical, they should be disposed of by the organization. Items should not be kept for personal use, except for books or recordings reviewed by Tally Travel. Staff may also keep unsolicited books sent to them by publishers, as long as these items are not sold.
Books or recordings sent as gifts must be handled in the same way as other valuable gifts. - Implementation.
The goal of this policy is to provide clear ethical standards to help preserve the credibility of Tally Travel. Any staff member who violates this policy may face disciplinary action, including reprimands, suspension, or termination. Employees who have questions or become aware of potential violations should promptly reach out to their supervisor.