Ethics & Trust - Poynter

Poynter's Coverage of Ethics & Trust

Several people are seated in a meeting room listening to a presenter. The room is seen through a glass window.

Journalists are using AI. They should be talking to their audience about it.

A new toolkit from Poynter’s MediaWise, in collaboration with AP, aims to make that easier, reduce consumer anxiety through AI literacy

When homelessness rises, so do the stakes of getting the story right

This new guide helps journalists navigate the ethical and human challenges of reporting on homelessness

An image from a presentation from Poynter's community conversation, The Future of Facts Online. The images in this screenshot were generated by artificial intelligence and do not reflect reality. (Screenshot/Poynter)

AI is creeping into every space of our lives, experts caution

From viral shrimp messiahs to fake news popes, AI is warping how we see the world — and what we believe

Hundreds of people gather in Somerville, Mass., on March 26, 2025, to demand the release of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student at Tufts University, who was arrested by federal agents Tuesday night. (AP Photo/Michael Casey)

People who fear the Trump administration are asking editors to remove their names from old news stories.

Here are some questions to ask while managing these requests

Fentanyl crisis, Iraqi civilian killings and deaths from restrictive abortion laws recognized in 2025 Poynter Journalism Prizes

ProPublica’s investigation into preventable deaths caused by restrictive abortion laws earned the prestigious Batten Medal for exceptional journalism

The cover for "Medicine River" appears next to an image of journalist Mary Annette Pember, the new book's author. (Courtesy: Pantheon, Nedahness Rose Greene)

Q&A: A daughter tells her Native mother’s story — and a larger American one

In ‘Medicine River,’ journalist Mary Annette Pember confronts the legacy of boarding schools and the trauma passed down through generations

NewsU Self-directed Course

Understanding Title IX

This course is designed to help journalists understand the applications of Title IX, how to navigate it, and what kinds of reporting can be done.

Start anytime

Application not required

Sarah Brown

Free

Webinar

How Any Journalist Can Earn Trust

Learn what news audiences don’t understand about how journalism works and look for opportunities to demonstrate credibility by explaining news processes, coverage goals and journalism ethics.

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Lynn Walsh

Free

This course is free thanks to the generous support of the Knight Foundation.

Webinar

Newsroom Readiness Certificate

Get ready for your first newsroom job by covering the basics of newsgathering, interviewing, media law, ethics and diversity

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Barbara Allen

$29.95

NewsU Online Seminar

The Weirdest Election “Night” Ever: What journalists and election-watchers need to know about the 2020 elections and a working democracy

Be part of the conversation to set the highest journalism standards for reporting election results and voter turnout in the 2020 election.

Replay on demand

Angie Drobnic Holan

Free for selected participants

Thanks for support from the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics & Leadership at Poynter, Craig Newmark Philanthropies and Google News Initiative

NewsU Webinar

Dignity and Precision in Language

Learn three decision-making tools to find the most precise words to ensure that all subjects and sources are described with dignity.

Replay on demand

Cristi Hegranes

Free

This $29.95 webinar is free thanks to the Ethical Journalism Network.

NewsU Self-directed Course

This course gives journalists and journalism organizations a toolkit to navigate the ethical dilemmas inherent in newsgathering, reporting and publishing and an ethical decision-making process that yo

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Application not required

Bridget Donovan, M.Ed.

$TBD

On Poynt

Inform, Soothe, Terrify? The Ethical Obligation of News During a Pandemic

Learn a framework for your evaluating your editorial promise to readers

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Application not required

Kelly McBride

Free

On Poynt

Make Diversity a Priority During the Pandemic

Doris Truong and Steve Bien-Aimé discuss how to prioritize diversity in your newsroom, even during a pandemic.

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Application not required

Doris Truong

Free

On Poynt

Leadership and Communication in the Coronavirus Era

Join Cheryl Carpenter for tips on how to work with your team during this turbulent time.

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Application not required

Cheryl Carpenter

Free

On Poynt

Newsroom Ethics in the Coronavirus Era

Kelly McBride explores ethical challenges newsrooms face during the pandemic.

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Application not required

Kelly McBride

Free

Webinar

Understanding Impeachment: A Guide for Journalists and Citizens

PolitiFact journalists explain the nuts and bolts of impeachment, lessons to be drawn from past history, and the current political dynamics journalists and citizens need to know.

Replay on demand

Angie Drobnic Holan

$14.95

Webinar

Trusting News Webinar Series

Empower your journalism organization to demonstrate credibility and earn trust with this series of five webinars led by Trusting News founder and director, Joy Mayer.

Replay on demand