Code of Conduct
As an organization
of media professionals dealing specifically with food, wine and travel,
the IFWTWA recognizes the necessity of the strongest possible adherence
by its membership to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism
and courtesy in the profession.
Membership in the IFWTWA assumes that the member, for
himself or herself, for the organization's own reputation, and for the
industry as a whole, shall abide by these standards of ethics in his or
her professional careers specifically as outlined in this Code. The IFWTWA
hereby asserts its right to set certain recognized standards in these
areas, to enforce these criteria upon its membership and to periodically
scrutinize members accordingly. Failure to adhere to this Code may result
in expulsion from the organization or in other disciplinary action.
Areas of specific concern include, but are not limited to,
the following:
1. Objectivity,
prejudice, accuracy:
Food and travel journalism must be accurate and free of
unwarranted bias or unwarranted prejudice.
2. Comps:
Members shall use the most severe efforts to avoid compromising
recognized journalistic ethics in the area of receiving complimentary
food, travel, lodging or related items ("comps").
3. Courtesy:
At all times, and particularly with respect to the mores
of other cultures, members shall treat their colleagues, host countries
and hosts with common courtesy, such courtesies including "thank
you" correspondence, ample notice in the event of cancellations,
and forwarding evidence of media treatment to the subject host.
4. Plagiarism,
Representation:
Plagiarism or representation of first-hand knowledge when
there has been none, or fraudulent use of a byline, is unacceptable.
5. Compensation:
Professional courtesies from an entity whom the recipient
knows he or she cannot or will not be exposing in the media shall not
be accepted, subject to the reasonable possibility of future exposure,
unless the donor is made aware of such a situation. Whether the recipient
or the donor has initiated such a situation is inconsequential.
6. Tipping:
In the event of receiving food or lodging "comps,"
unless the host has specifically indicated otherwise, the recipient shall
tip as though he or she were paying the bill.
7. Dining:
As a food guest, unless a menu has no prices, only a reasonable,
representative sample of food or spirits should be ordered, preferably
by asking the waiter and/or wine steward to assist in ordering.
8. Professional
Associates:
Anyone other than a fellow professional directly involved
in the story shall not be included when receiving "comps" such
as travel, lodging, meals, and services.
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