Journalists enjoy a special place in society.  They are, at times, given a great deal of latitude when it comes to doing their job — and so they should be.  Journalism is demanding and, at times, dangerous work.  Sometimes journalists are met with aggression and confrontation, even from police and government officials. It can be a tremendously difficult job; however, the job has to be done and it should be done right.

Signal High News Corporation imposes a strict set of ethical boundaries and demands a high degree of journalistic integrity from all of its news personnel.  We are accountable.  Should you have concerns about the way by which we report the news, or the conduct of our journalists, we offer several venues for your voice to be heard.

Option One: Feedback

We invite you to share your views with us through feedback [here].  This is the fastest and most direct way of voicing your concerns. We carefully review all feedback and work to resolve issues quickly.  In many cases, simple misunderstandings can be cleared up quickly, to the satisfaction of all involved.  We are open to corrections, restrictions, informal discussion, and furthering investigations.  We have a vested interested in doing right, doing better — having a productive and meaningful relationship with the public at large.

Option Two: Direct Approach

You are welcome to approach news personnel in the field.  Sometimes, face-to-face conversation and positive interpersonal exchanges prevent misunderstandings.  We insist that all personnel present themselves respectfully and earnestly.  You can expect courteous and, where possible, informative interactions.

Important!  We ask that you do not obstruct or interrupt journalists in their duties.  We ask that you do not act in a rude, threatening, insistent, or violent manner.  Journalists are people too, and they should be free to do their job without unreasonable delay or harassment.  In some places, interfering with journalists performing their duty is an offence.  

Option Three: Management Escalation

You are welcome to reach out to company managers at any time.  This includes bureau chiefs, news directors, editors-in-chief, executive producers, etc.  This is an informal means of having your concerns heard by authorities, and often results in immediate resolution.

Front-line personnel in the field will normally be pleased to provide you with the name and contact for their manager; however, the newsroom [e-mail] will also assist you in locating the right person.  You are not required to attempt other means of resolving your concern before contacting management.  It is best to use e-mail for the initial contact as letter mail and telephone calls can lead to delays.

Option Four: Executive Resolution

You are invited to contact the corporation and request ‘executive resolution’.  This is the first ‘formal’ channel to express your concerns, to have your voice heard.  You are not required to try other options prior to this; however, we suggest you consider doing so.  There are certain requirements: (a) you must commence this process within thirty days of the incident; (b) your submission must be in writing, signed, and attach an uncensored copy of government-issued, photo identification that shows your name and writing address; and (c) your correspondence must be accompanied by all pertinent evidence.  Please address all correspondence ‘Attention: Executive Resolution’.

The matter will be assigned to a news executive for formal review.  You will receive a reply, normally by letter mail.  News executives are senior company managers — business heads and executive officers — fully empowered to enact the necessary measures to fairly and correctly conclude concerns.

You can find our contact information [here].

Option Five: Standing Committee on Journalistic Integrity

The fifth and final stage in our resolution process is the Standing Committee on Journalistic Integrity — a special committee of the corporate board of directors tasked to investigate and conclude concerns from the public.  The committee is empowered to formally order the resolution they deem fit and appropriate.  They are also empowered to direct major and sweeping changes to policy.

In order to submit to the committee, you must have attempted executive resolution (option four).  You must submit all documents and evidence, including correspondence from executive resolution.  You must detail in your covering letter your exact concern(s) and specify the resolution you are seeking.  Please note that you must submit within thirty days of concluding the executive resolution stage.

Important!  We require that a contribution to the cost of the committee be paid — one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00 USD).  The contribution must be paid before the review will commence.  If you suffer true and legitimate hardship, and are honestly unable to pay this amount, please detail why you are unable (e.g. a summary of income and expenses) and have a person who knows you write a letter attesting to your circumstances.  The committee may elect to waive some or all of the required contribution, and may elect to return some or all after it concludes — but it may not.

You can find our writing address and contact information [here].

Important!  Working Productively

Signal High News Corporation has a vested interest in ensuring public accountability.  Your concerns are important to us.  It is important that we hear your voice.  We provide this framework so you can choose the best and most appropriate methods for you.

Please keep in mind that you have the burden to clearly demonstrate you concern.  We are unable to protect your identity at any stage in this process.  It is a public process.  We reserve the right to publish your submissions and any of our findings, according to our policies.  We may not be able to communicate with you about the specific measures taken, or that we intend to take, to conclude your return.  We may not consider concerns that have been lodged with the police, courts, or other investigative or regulatory bodies.

Every step in this process is designed to give you a voice, and we invite you to work with us in resolving your concern; however, we will not tolerate threats, aggression or violent behaviour, whatsoever.