Hellenic Communication Service Code of Ethics





	Hellenic Communication Service Offers A Voice to the Voiceless

"America's hometown papers, whether large or small, chronicle the daily life of our nation, of our people. Put it all together, and community newspapers do not just tell the story of America and freedom, [they] are that story." Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State, speech to the American Newspaper Association, March 25, 2001

The United States Constitutional guarantees of free press and free expression have ensured a press largely without governmental regulation. This does not mean media without standards.

In the American system, our free media is an essential source of the information that is at the heart of a free society. This critical role endows the media with its own power, which, when used irresponsibly, can threaten a free society. Journalists everywhere have a vital role to provide the public with knowledge and understanding. As we practice our craft in a global world that is both technologically and geographically changing, systematic standards must be established to guide our work and mission to serve society in an ethically responsible and constructive fashion.

Hellenic Communication Service is pleased to put forth its own Code of Ethics to stand for the journalistic values of truth, honesty, courage, fairness, compassion, balance, independence, credibility, and diversity:

We seek the truth and report it as fully as possible, striving for clear, concise, complete reporting.

We seek out and disseminate competing perspectives without being unduly influenced by those who would use their power or position.

We seek to treat sources, subjects, and colleagues as people deserving our respect, not merely as means to our journalistic ends.

We seek to inform our readers and to reflect fairly the breadth of our community. Our first obligation is to the public at large and not to any person, business, or special interest.

Hellenic Communication Service was established to serve Greek communities throughout the U.S. and beyond. One of the first and most visited Hellenic websites in the nation, www.HellenicComServe.com is made possible by a grant from the Christos and Mary Papoutsy Charitable Foundation.