Ethical guidelines for DanWatch's work

Adopted by DanWatch's board in February 2011.

Introduction

DanWatch is an independent media and research centre that investigates the impact of businesses on humans and the environment world-wide.

DanWatch takes its point of departure in the DanWatch Foundation's by-law § 3.

DanWatch subscribes to national and international rules and principles for sound press ethics and practices, including the media responsibility law (Denmark) as well as the International Federation of Journalists' Declaration of
Principles on the Conduct of Journalists (international).

DanWatch aims to be honest and fair in its gathering, interpretation and sharing of information.

DanWatch investigates the accuracy of information from all sources and takes precautions to avoid unintentional mistakes. Deliberate misleading is unacceptable.

Hearing of criticised parties

DanWatch does what it can to ensure that criticised  parties get to tell their side of the story. If this is not possible, it should be stated that the criticised party has not been heard and why. This also applies when a criticised party has declined to reply.

If a company or another player mentioned in a study disagrees with the factual information on which the conclusions of the study are based, the company can voice its opinion in an unedited reply, which will be uploaded on DanWatch's website.

If a company or another player believes that DanWatch has violated sound press practices in connection with the study, it is possible to file a complaint about DanWatch to the Danish Press Council. For more information, go to www.pressenaevnet.dk.

Sources

DanWatch reveals its sources to the extent that it does not compromise their safety.

Sources can be revealed anonymously if they risk reprisals for their statements or general collaboration with DanWatch.

DanWatch examines and assesses the motives of sources.

Methods

DanWatch avoids using undercover or other covert methods when gathering information, unless traditional, overt methods would not lead to information of decisive importance to the public. 

All major reports and studies contain a section on methodology as well as information on what data has been used and how it has been collected.

Independence

DanWatch serves the public's right to information and is therefore an independent medium.

DanWatch avoids involvement in activities that could damage its integrity and credibility.

In order to protect the editorial staff against external interests, overall economic decisions are made in the board of directors of the foundation. The board of directors does not exert direct influence on the editors' choice of projects or the daily dissemination of news, but lays down the general framework for the editors' work.

DanWatch always notifies when an external player has provided funding for or commissioned a specific study.