Charter of the Professional Duties of French Journalists

• A journalist worthy of the name:
• Assumes responsibility for all that he writes.
• Considers slander, unfounded accusations, alteration of documents, distortion of facts, and lying to be the most serious professional misconduct.
• Recognizes the jurisdiction of his colleagues as the only one which is sovereign in matters of professional honour.
• Accepts only such assignments that are compatible with his professional dignity.
• Declines to invoke an imaginary title of quality, use dishonest means to obtain information or take advantage of the good faith of anybody.
• Does not accept money in a public service or a private enterprise where his status as a journalist, his influence and his connections may be exploited.
• Does not sign articles which are commercial or financial advertising.
• Does not commit any plagiarism.
• Does not claim the position held by another colleague nor cause him to be dismissed by offering to work under inferior conditions.
• Respects professional secrecy.
• Does not make use of the freedom of the press with profit-seeking intentions.
• Demands the freedom to honestly publish his information.
• Respects justice and gives it top priority.
• Does not confuse his role with that of a policeman.