Integrity … Defined

I have always had the greatest respect for Walt Mossberg, veteran high technology columnist for the Wall Street Journal. Walt has something on his blog – All Things Digital – that is important because it defines his integrity and character, as if he needed any help.

It’s called, “Walt’s Ethics Statement,” and in it, Walt details clearly, openly and in plain language his ethical boundaries. Is this unusual? You bet! How many other journalists, CEOs, executives, leaders and voices of influence – of which Walt is one – are so transparent?

Here’s an excerpt with a link at the bottom to his entire Ethics Statement:

Here is a statement of my ethics and coverage policies. It is more than most of you want to know, but, in the age of suspicion of the media, I am laying it all out.

I am not an objective news reporter, and am not responsible for business coverage of technology companies. I am a subjective opinion columnist, a reviewer of consumer technology products and a commentator on technology issues. I don’t offer investment advice, or follow the financial progress or stock prices of technology companies. I focus on products and services, not revenues and earnings.

I don’t accept any money, free products, or anything else of value, from the companies whose products I cover, or from their public relations or advertising agencies. I also don’t accept trips, speaking fees, or product discounts from companies whose products I cover, or from their public relations or advertising agencies. I don’t serve as a consultant to any companies, or serve on any corporate boards or advisory boards.

Click here for the rest.

Let me just add that All Things Digital‘s Kara Swisher also has an ethics statement, as does Katie Boehret, and all the other writers and editors on the site.

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