1. Transparency & Accountability in Digital Publishing

• Clear Source Attribution: Members must disclose sources of information and properly attribute content, including the use of third-party research, AI tools, or guest contributions.
• Sponsorship & Financial Disclosure: Sponsored content, partnerships, and financial relationships influencing content must be clearly disclosed.
• Corrections & Clarifications: Members must have a visible and accessible process for correcting errors, ensuring transparency when content is updated.
• Avoiding Misinformation: Members must not knowingly publish false or misleading information and should take measures to verify content before publication.

2. Editorial Integrity & Content Responsibility

• Separation of Editorial, Opinion, and Marketing: News-style content must be clearly distinguished from opinion pieces, marketing materials, and advertisements.
• Fact-Based Communication: Claims presented as factual must be backed by reliable sources, research, or direct experience.
• Ethical AI Use in Content Creation: AI-generated content must be disclosed and reviewed by a human editor to ensure accuracy and prevent manipulation.

3. Responsible Use of Digital & Social Media

• Verification Before Amplification: Members should verify information before sharing, reposting, or engaging with it to prevent the spread of misinformation.
• Ethical Engagement Strategies: Avoid deceptive tactics such as fake engagement (bots, paid likes, or misleading headlines designed for virality).
• Respect for Privacy & Data Protection: Digital content must not violate user privacy through unauthorized data collection, tracking, or exploitation of personal information.

4. Ethical Community Engagement & Comment Moderation

• Maintaining Civil Online Discourse: Members must foster respectful discussions and avoid promoting harassment, hate speech, or inflammatory rhetoric.
• Moderation Policies: Clear guidelines should be established for moderating comments, removing harmful content, and addressing misinformation.
• Transparency in Content Removal: If content is removed or edited after publication, members should provide an explanation when appropriate.

5. Crisis Communications & Ethical Responsibility

• Avoiding Sensationalism in Emergencies: Content related to crises, disasters, or sensitive topics must prioritize accuracy and public safety over engagement metrics.
• Ethical Advertising Standards: Members should ensure that their advertising practices do not exploit audiences, spread misinformation, or deceive consumers.
• Public Trust in Crisis Situations: Communications during public emergencies must prioritize facts, clarity, and accountability.

6. Fair Representation in Content & Perspectives

• Commitment to Accuracy in Representation: Content should fairly reflect the subjects being covered and avoid reinforcing misleading stereotypes.
• Ensuring Balanced Narratives: Members should strive to present multiple perspectives in a way that informs rather than manipulates audiences.
• Avoiding Algorithmic Bias: When using AI or automated systems, members should ensure that these technologies do not reinforce bias or distort content distribution.

Implementation & Accountability

To uphold these ethical standards, FMC will:

1. Educate Members: Provide resources and training to help businesses and nonprofits align with these principles.
2. Offer Guidance: Encourage self-regulation while offering oversight when ethical concerns arise.
3. Recognize Ethical Leadership: Highlight members who consistently demonstrate high standards in digital publishing and broadcasting.

By adhering to this framework, FMC members contribute to a responsible, informed, and credible media landscape.