Green Light Ethics

Practice hard-hitting journalism with confidence.

The Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership takes a practical approach to the ever-changing pressures on journalism and democracy. We are an authoritative voice for journalists, citizens and everyone interested in elevating discourse and fact-based expression while battling disinformation and bias.

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Through the work of the Center, journalism can evolve its values and the public will better understand how those values impact their everyday lives, building practices of mutual trust and transparency. We:

Provide custom advice and training to professional newsrooms on stories and policies.
Advance the ethical standards that guide professional news organizations.
Work with citizens and journalists to identify issues where journalism can better serve its audience.
Host gatherings where journalists and experts can exchange ideas.
Sponsor research into building trust in news and the democratic process.

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Meet our team:

Do you want to interview one of our experts? Please email Poynter’s director of marketing Tina Dyakon for all media requests.

Neil Brown
President
The Poynter Institute

Kelly McBride
Poynter Senior Vice President and
Chair of Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership

Cheryl Carpenter
Leadership Faculty
The Poynter Institute

Rick Edmonds
Media Business Analyst & Leader of News Transformation
The Poynter Institute

Shannon Kellenberger
Administrative Assistant, Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership

Samantha Ragland
Faculty Member
The Poynter Institute

Al Tompkins, Senior Faculty, Broadcast and Online

Al Tompkins
Senior Faculty and Group Leader for Broadcast Media
The Poynter Institute

Doris Truong
Director of Training and Diversity
The Poynter Institute

Ethics articles:

Workers remove a copy of the First Amendment from the front of the building that was formerly the Newseum, along Pennsylvania Avenue, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The past year has underscored the need for vigilance in defending the First Amendment

The initial amendment to the U.S. Constitution is being tested on multiple fronts. To defend it, it must be taught as a core part of civics education.

In this Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 photo, actor Michael Keaton, from left, Boston Globe's former deputy managing editor Ben Bradlee Jr., reporter Michael Rezendes, columnist and reporter Sacha Pfeiffer, editor Walter Robinson, and writer/director Thomas McCarthy pose for a portrait during press day for "Spotlight" at The Four Seasons, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Casey Curry/Invision/AP)

On Oscar weekend, a personal reflection on ‘Spotlight,’ which won best picture 5 years ago

It brought attention to journalism’s watchdog role and the importance of a local newspaper at a time when journalism was increasingly under fire.

Building trust in media: Users don’t see it the same way as journalists, new studies show

While journalists like to focus on transparency and engagement, audiences seem to care more about brand heritage, presentation style and language.

In this image from video, defendant, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, listens to verdicts at his trial for the 2020 death of George Floyd, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn. (Court TV via AP, Pool)

How the pandemic forced the Chauvin trial to open to cameras

Half of all states, including Minnesota, have limitations or bans on cameras in courtroom. COVID-19 protocols changed that.

Facebook is watching for Chauvin trial for misinformation and hate speech

'We want to strike the right balance between allowing people to speak about the trial ... while still doing our part to protect everyone's safety.'

Does the mainstream media need to bring back the ombudsman to restore credibility and trust?

Eight former ombudsmen weigh in with their thoughts on the current state of journalism and the role of ombudsmen in the era of online journalism.

Headlines from U.S. news organizations (Screenshots)

Immigration coverage needs more nuanced language

‘Surge’ is inaccurate and dehumanizing. Additional details will improve precision.

Ad Fontes' media bias chart, left, and AllSides' media bias chart, right. Larger versions are available to view below and on each organization's website.

Should you trust media bias charts?

These controversial charts claim to show the political lean and credibility of news organizations. Here’s what you need to know about them.

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The Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership at Poynter was made possible by a generous grant from Craig Newmark Philanthropies.