IFPO Members Press Code of Ethics

A press member’s reputation rests on strong ethics. While getting the story matters, integrity determines a career. Your duty is to document events as they occur — never altering, staging, or interfering. Reports and photos must reflect reality. Press access is a privilege, so follow these principles:

• Arrive early (about 45 minutes) to locate the press area, study the layout, and choose your position.
• Come prepared with proper equipment and background knowledge of the event.
• Work cooperatively with promoters and officials.
• Behave professionally; troublemakers may lose access.
• Think before shooting, writing, or broadcasting.
• Stay within press boundaries; never disrupt action or officials.
• Be patient and avoid inconveniencing other media.
• Be courteous and share space; maintain good relations with all press members.
• Use photos and reports only for legitimate editorial purposes—not social media or anything that undermines press integrity.
• Honor agreements with promoters and publications, including restrictions on selling photos.
• Clean up after yourself.
• Never capture or report compromising situations unless they involve a public figure in a public setting with legitimate news value.
• Remember you are working press, not a spectator.

Breaking news may limit preparation, but the same ethical standards apply. With practice and common sense, good ethics should become second nature.