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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What we do:

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:

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.

From left to right, Virginian-Pilot reporters Saleen Martin, Ana Ley and Denise Watson. All three have dealt with harassment and abuse after writing about issues of race. (Photo: Virginian-Pilot photographer Thé N. Pham)

When writing about race, abuse follows. Especially for journalists of color and women.

It leaves reporters in a no-win situation: Either write about important subjects and face hate, or leave crucial subjects unexplored.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a press conference before the opening of a mass COVID-19 vaccination site in the Queens borough of New York on Feb. 24. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool, File)

Despite claims of otherwise, the ‘mainstream media’ is covering the Cuomo story

The media has reported en masse on sexual allegations leveled against Cuomo by former aides, including a new report from The New York Times.

Hmong community organizer Ze Thao, second from right, address a Black Lives Matter rally for George Floyd at the Minneapolis State Capitol on May 31, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

A rule for good journalism: What is missing from this story?

Photojournalist Corky Lee shined his light on untold stories, and we can do the same if we consider the bigger picture.

The United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. was breached by thousands of protesters during a "Stop The Steal" rally in support of President Donald Trump. (zz/STRF/STAR MAX/IPx)

Understanding journalism (or its absence) in the Age of Conspiracy

Social critics claim to know why conspiracy theories are pervasive but fail to acknowledge the primary reasons: too much internet, too little patience

Was Rush Limbaugh’s race-baiting accurately reflected in his obituaries?

Journalists fail when we let the subject — and an outdated sense of propriety — dictate the narrative

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In addition to our work through the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership, Poynter trains journalists to be strong practitioners and supports newsroom transformation and accountability journalism. We are the home of three major initiatives that are battling misinformation: PolitiFact, the International Fact-Checking Network and the news literacy program for teenagers and first-time voters, MediaWise. There are many ways that you can contribute to this important work:

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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.