Code of Conduct

Signal High News Corporation has developed a Code of Conduct to guide its journalists, and other personnel, in the execution of their duties.  When used alongside our Guiding Principles, with a dash of common sense, it is a powerful and useful resource.  All personnel are required to read the Code before engagement begins, and to periodically refresh themselves with it as their employment progresses.

The Code of Conduct is available for public viewing [here].

Free Press

Journalists have not only the right to report the news, but an obligation.  The First Amendment of the United States Constitution reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

In fact, the importance of a free and independent press was codified when Judge Sir William Blackstone determined that government could not stop the press from publishing (Commentaries on English Law, 1765-70).  Early legal scholars agreed that the press was a way to fight the abuse of power, as it exposed government offences.  Mr. President James Madison himself agreed when the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) cited the press as a “great bulwark of liberty,” asserting a free press protects liberty and that its freedom must not be violated.

The rights of the press have been challenged throughout the years: the Sedition Act of 1798,  Near v. Minnesota in 1931, New York Times v. U.S. in 1971 and others.  But in the end, the rights of the press to publish, to inform and to “serve the governed, not the governors” (Supreme Court) have been upheld.

The Founders knew that newspapers kept citizens informed. They allowed them to take good, knowledgable decisions about government. Since the government’s power comes from the people, the government can’t make good choices unless its constituents are well informed.

In May 2020, Nick Routley published Mapped: The State of Press Freedom Around the World for VisualCapitalist.com, and captured the number of people around the globe who don’t have free press.  He further captured how free the press really is.  The article is a most interesting and highly recommended read.  

THE STRUGGLE

Reputable journalists defend these rights every day, sometimes at their own peril. Hundreds of journalists have been imprisoned and fined large amounts of money because they refused to identify their sources to the courts. Many more around the world have been put to death. Left-leaning and dictatorial governments like France, Canada, China and Russia control their media, filter content and use their police and judiciaries to enforce their political will.

Free press often comes at great cost.

Judges don’t like it when common folk refuse their orders, and the police are always more than willing to perform illegal searches, unlawful arrests and enact other measures of harassment, especially when they know they are not going to be held to account.

SIGNAL HIGH NEWS CORPORATION

Signal High News Corporation entirely supports a free and independent press.  It is our position that the rights and privileges we enjoy as (reasonably) free journalists are often jeopardized, and that we are often called upon to assert our rights so as to avoid losing them.

Mr. President Ronald Reagan said once about freedom, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

We support the following organizations:

• U.S. Press Association
• International Federation of Journalists
• American Press Association, ca. 1882

News Process

Signal High News Corporation is committed to the relentless pursuit of truth.

We investigate and report on news that matters, everywhere. In our industry, time is of the essence and accuracy is our stock in trade. We follow a simple and straight-forward process to gather the facts and present them in the best possible way, on time and on point.

STEP ONE – THE REPORT

Everything starts with a report. Reports are most commonly filed online, but they can be taken directly by newsroom operators, journalists and any other member of our team. Reports can be filed in complete anonymity — our platform does not keep logs, and we do not require any identifying information (not even an e-mail address).  Reports can include a lot of information, or very little.  All sources are protected. Completed reports are sent to the newsroom for rapid assignment.

STEP TWO – ASSIGNMENT

Reports are reviewed by newsroom operators. Some basic information gathering may be done at this stage. Operators create an “assignment package” and transmit to investigative reporter(s), field production teams, news bureaus, etc. This entire step can take place in under ten minutes. The newsroom follows your report throughout the entire process.

STEP THREE – INVESTIGATION

Journalist(s) conduct a preliminary investigation. They strive to obtain all relevant details, evidence, context, history, perspectives, etc. They might reach out to witnesses and press the subject(s). If the article is follow-up to a developing story or a breaking news piece, they consult with the people behind the original article. When they have a solid understanding of the situation, they prepare to brief news executives for “decisioning.”

News executives are briefed and quickly “decision” the investigation. This is to say that they order further investigation, connect the proposed article to others, split the article into two or more pieces, embargo (reserve the article for later publication), go directly to publish, etc. When the news executives are satisfied that the investigation is newsworthy, it is forwarded to editing.

STEP FOUR – EDITING

The news item is sent to an editor for quality control. The editor proofs the work, performs all due diligence and works with journalist(s) to refine the piece into a finished product. The approved article is sent for production.

STEP FIVE – PRODUCTION

The approved news article is prepared for publication. It is essentially fit into the appropriate format and readied for advertising inserts, media, categorization, etc. This work is performed by skilled production engineers to ensure that the proper standards are met, and that any multimedia is compiled in a logical and practical way. This step may include the incorporation of advertising and commentary (see step six), if available at the time.

STEP SIX – ADVERTISING

The right advertisers are selected to monetize the article. The advertising pieces are inserted at the most appropriate place(s). In some cases, this can involve major sponsorship, product placement and other initiatives. Note that articles are not placed on hold awaiting advertising inserts. In many cases, articles are sent to publish without advertising and the monetization takes place subsequent. Some articles are not monetized at all.

STEP SEVEN – PUBLICATION

The final news item is propagated to our news platform. Linkages are made to other articles and, in some cases, previews are generated. Decisions as to placement, timing, rotation, etc. are normally made by news executives on the recommendation of the journalists, editors, and production personnel. A final quality check is performed and advertising campaigns are established, continued or launched.

STEP EIGHT – DISCUSSION AND MODERATION

Normally, the article is opened for public discussion. Just to be clear, we do not exclude commentary that disagrees with or criticizes our work – nor do we exclude articles that propose alternate perspectives; however, we have a legal obligation to ensure that the language used is in keeping with community standards and broadcast regulations. So moderators will censor certain words and phrases, and remove any comments that are obviously not a valid contribution to the discussion (e.g. spam, trolling, threats, etc). When an article is no longer being followed, and community participation (comments) have slowed or stopped, the article is moved into our archives, preserving all components as well as advertising (perpetual advertising). Archived articles do not expire.

TURNAROUND TIME

We have the capability to process news in under an hour, when necessary. We have the capability to dispatch emergency broadcasts and breaking news notifications in minutes; however, when articles contains in-depth and expert analysis it can sometimes take longer. While we endeavour to bring the news as it happens, reporting the facts correctly takes prescience. We would rather publish news that is correct and complete as opposed to publishing apologies after the fact because we raced for completion. If you would rather get rapid flash news, with questionable accuracy and depth, along with trailing apologies, we suggest you tune into some of the larger news conglomerates. We get it right the first time.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

In keeping with regulatory framework and community expectations, we offer several avenues of recourse should you have concerns about our work. Every member of the public is welcome to use any of the escalating channels to voice their concern. All concerns are heard. Please refer to our concerns policy for additional information.

Expansion

We cover news that matters – where and when it happens; however, we can’t be everywhere at once (our scientists are working on that). Part of our business strategy is to identify and grow into new markets, according to the following priority:

1. United States and, to a lesser extent, Canada.
2. Germany, France, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
3. European Union States (Italy, fmr. East Bloc, Netherlands, Scandinavia, etc).
4. South America, Africa, Asian South Pacific, and Eastern Europe.

In order to achieve these objectives, we are onboarding journalists, organizing field teams, establishing bureaus and building our rapid response capability – all in pursuit of the truth. We are also forging relationships with affiliates, freelancers and newscasters around the world. It is our goal to self-produce seventy percent (70%) of content by 2028, and ninety percent (90%) by 2032.

Concerns

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 personnel.  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 our online contact form. This is the fastest and most direct way of voicing your concern. We carefully review all feedback and strive to improve.  In many cases, simple misunderstandings can be cleared up quickly, to the satisfaction of all involved.  This may include corrections, retractions, or an informal discussion to gain a better mutual understanding.

OPTION TWO: DIRECT APPROACH

You are welcome to approach news personnel in the field.  We ask that you not interrupt their duties or act in a rude, threatening, or violent manner.  In some jurisdictions, preventing journalists from doing their duty is an offence.  It is our policy that journalists present identification when requested, circumstances permitting.  Please understand that journalists will not break off assignment to engage you.  Sometimes, face-to-face conversation and positive intra-personal exchanges prevent misunderstandings.

OPTION THREE: EXECUTIVE RESOLUTION

You may choose to express your concerns in writing to a news executive.  You are not required to try other options prior to this.  This option requires that your concerns:

(a) are received within thirty days of the incident; and

(b) must be in written form, with a copy of your government-issued identification; and

(c) must be accompanied by all pertinent evidence.  

You will receive a response from a news executive, all of whom are fully empowered to enact the measures necessary to fairly and correctly conclude your concern.  You can find our mailing address here.

OPTION FOUR: STANDING COMMITTEE ON JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY

You may also choose to write to our Standing Committee on Journalistic Integrity, a committee of the corporate board of directors tasked to investigate concerns and be the final voice of the corporation in respect to resolution.  This committee is empowered to make the final decision on your concern, and to direct the resolution they deem appropriate.  They are also capable of making sweeping policy change.

The following rules apply:

1. You must have attempted to resolve your concern by executive resolution (option three).
2. Your concern must be made in writing, attaching a copy of your government-issued identification.
3. Your correspondence must detail your exact concern and stipulate the specific resolution you seek.
4. You must submit all pertinent evidence and supporting material.
5. You must make the required deposit (below) with first contact.

Deposit Requirement.  We require that you enclose with your first letter, a bank draft or money order payable to SIGNAL HIGH NEWS CORPORATION in the amount of one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00 USD).  This is a non-refundable contribution to the cost of considering your concern.  If you suffer true and legitimate hardship, and are truthfully unable to pay this amount, please detail why you are unable to pay (e.g. summary of income and expenses) and have another person who knows you write a letter attesting to your circumstances.  The committee will assess your circumstances and decide whether or not to waive the deposit requirement. The committee may elect to refund your contribution, in whole or in part, at their sole option and discretion.

The burden to clearly demonstrate your concern is yours alone.  We are unable to protect your identity at any stage in this 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 to you the measures taken, or that we intend to take, to rectify your concern.  We may not consider concerns that have been lodged with the police, courts, or other investigative or regulatory bodies.  Please quote your file number on all correspondence, if you have one.  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.  

You can find our mailing address here. 

Standards

Signal High News Corporation is an aggressive news organization committed to the relentless pursuit of truth, and reporting the news that matters. Ultimately, our credibility is measured by the quality and accuracy of the news we publish; however, the way by which we gather that news, and our conduct in doing so, is equally important.  We present our Guiding Principles, Code of Conduct, and other key policies to the public.  We are held to high standards.  We are accountable.

Guiding Principles

Signal High News Corporation is committed to the following principles and fundamental concepts.  They guide us in the execution of our duties, and shape how we do business.

1. Hard Work.  We dig deep, press sources, gather credible evidence, and break the story as soon as practicable. We relentlessly pursue truth.
   
   
2. Vigilance.  We protect our sources and guard unpublished work. We work under the press shield. We will not be threatened, coerced or manipulated. We are tough, and we are not going away.
   
   
3. Relentlessness.  We go after a story until we are satisfied we have all the details. We believe in good and bad, right and wrong, and we bring that to our publications.
   
   
4. Independence.  We fiercely guard our independence against all undue influence and external pressure. We are the press. We cannot be bought, sold or traded.
   
   
5. Responsibility.  We own our work and face criticism head on. We are accountable for what we do, and how we do it. We owe that to our readers. We will deliver.
   
   
6. Truthfulness.  Truth is the cornerstone of journalism. We will expose the truth no matter how ugly it is.
   
   
7. Accuracy.  Accuracy is an important part of truth, but it is much more. We will be accurate in our reporting at all times. Every detail counts.
   
   
8. Credibility.  Credibility is key to our business. We hang our hat on our work. We can be relied upon. Credibility is something that must be earned.
   
   
9. Fairness.  Fairness is more than just two sides of an argument. Fairness is all sides and all perspectives. We remain open to investigate any position or view.
   
   
10. Loyalty.  We publish in the public interest and for no other reason. We are loyal to the truth.

Code of Conduct

Signal High News Corporation has developed a Code of Conduct to guide its journalists, and other personnel, in the execution of their duties.  When used alongside our Guiding Principles, with a dash of common sense, it is a powerful and useful resource.  All personnel are required to read the Code before engagement begins, and to periodically refresh themselves with it as their employment progresses.

The Code of Conduct is available for public viewing [here].

Free Press

Journalists have not only the right to report the news, but an obligation.  The First Amendment of the United States Constitution reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

In fact, the importance of a free and independent press was codified when Judge Sir William Blackstone determined that government could not stop the press from publishing (Commentaries on English Law, 1765-70).  Early legal scholars agreed that the press was a way to fight the abuse of power, as it exposed government offences.  Mr. President James Madison himself agreed when the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) cited the press as a “great bulwark of liberty,” asserting a free press protects liberty and that its freedom must not be violated.

The rights of the press have been challenged throughout the years: the Sedition Act of 1798,  Near v. Minnesota in 1931, New York Times v. U.S. in 1971 and others.  But in the end, the rights of the press to publish, to inform and to “serve the governed, not the governors” (Supreme Court) have been upheld.

The Founders knew that newspapers kept citizens informed. They allowed them to take good, knowledgable decisions about government. Since the government’s power comes from the people, the government can’t make good choices unless its constituents are well informed.

In May 2020, Nick Routley published Mapped: The State of Press Freedom Around the World for VisualCapitalist.com, and captured the number of people around the globe who don’t have free press.  He further captured how free the press really is.  The article is a most interesting and highly recommended read.  

THE STRUGGLE

Reputable journalists defend these rights every day, sometimes at their own peril. Hundreds of journalists have been imprisoned and fined large amounts of money because they refused to identify their sources to the courts. Many more around the world have been put to death. Left-leaning and dictatorial governments like France, Canada, China and Russia control their media, filter content and use their police and judiciaries to enforce their political will.

Free press often comes at great cost.

Judges don’t like it when common folk refuse their orders, and the police are always more than willing to perform illegal searches, unlawful arrests and enact other measures of harassment, especially when they know they are not going to be held to account.

SIGNAL HIGH NEWS CORPORATION

Signal High News Corporation entirely supports a free and independent press.  It is our position that the rights and privileges we enjoy as (reasonably) free journalists are often jeopardized, and that we are often called upon to assert our rights so as to avoid losing them.

Mr. President Ronald Reagan said once about freedom, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

We support the following organizations:

• U.S. Press Association
• International Federation of Journalists
• American Press Association, ca. 1882

News Process

Signal High News Corporation is committed to the relentless pursuit of truth.

We investigate and report on news that matters, everywhere. In our industry, time is of the essence and accuracy is our stock in trade. We follow a simple and straight-forward process to gather the facts and present them in the best possible way, on time and on point.

STEP ONE – THE REPORT

Everything starts with a report. Reports are most commonly filed online, but they can be taken directly by newsroom operators, journalists and any other member of our team. Reports can be filed in complete anonymity — our platform does not keep logs, and we do not require any identifying information (not even an e-mail address).  Reports can include a lot of information, or very little.  All sources are protected. Completed reports are sent to the newsroom for rapid assignment.

STEP TWO – ASSIGNMENT

Reports are reviewed by newsroom operators. Some basic information gathering may be done at this stage. Operators create an “assignment package” and transmit to investigative reporter(s), field production teams, news bureaus, etc. This entire step can take place in under ten minutes. The newsroom follows your report throughout the entire process.

STEP THREE – INVESTIGATION

Journalist(s) conduct a preliminary investigation. They strive to obtain all relevant details, evidence, context, history, perspectives, etc. They might reach out to witnesses and press the subject(s). If the article is follow-up to a developing story or a breaking news piece, they consult with the people behind the original article. When they have a solid understanding of the situation, they prepare to brief news executives for “decisioning.”

News executives are briefed and quickly “decision” the investigation. This is to say that they order further investigation, connect the proposed article to others, split the article into two or more pieces, embargo (reserve the article for later publication), go directly to publish, etc. When the news executives are satisfied that the investigation is newsworthy, it is forwarded to editing.

STEP FOUR – EDITING

The news item is sent to an editor for quality control. The editor proofs the work, performs all due diligence and works with journalist(s) to refine the piece into a finished product. The approved article is sent for production.

STEP FIVE – PRODUCTION

The approved news article is prepared for publication. It is essentially fit into the appropriate format and readied for advertising inserts, media, categorization, etc. This work is performed by skilled production engineers to ensure that the proper standards are met, and that any multimedia is compiled in a logical and practical way. This step may include the incorporation of advertising and commentary (see step six), if available at the time.

STEP SIX – ADVERTISING

The right advertisers are selected to monetize the article. The advertising pieces are inserted at the most appropriate place(s). In some cases, this can involve major sponsorship, product placement and other initiatives. Note that articles are not placed on hold awaiting advertising inserts. In many cases, articles are sent to publish without advertising and the monetization takes place subsequent. Some articles are not monetized at all.

STEP SEVEN – PUBLICATION

The final news item is propagated to our news platform. Linkages are made to other articles and, in some cases, previews are generated. Decisions as to placement, timing, rotation, etc. are normally made by news executives on the recommendation of the journalists, editors, and production personnel. A final quality check is performed and advertising campaigns are established, continued or launched.

STEP EIGHT – DISCUSSION AND MODERATION

Normally, the article is opened for public discussion. Just to be clear, we do not exclude commentary that disagrees with or criticizes our work – nor do we exclude articles that propose alternate perspectives; however, we have a legal obligation to ensure that the language used is in keeping with community standards and broadcast regulations. So moderators will censor certain words and phrases, and remove any comments that are obviously not a valid contribution to the discussion (e.g. spam, trolling, threats, etc). When an article is no longer being followed, and community participation (comments) have slowed or stopped, the article is moved into our archives, preserving all components as well as advertising (perpetual advertising). Archived articles do not expire.

TURNAROUND TIME

We have the capability to process news in under an hour, when necessary. We have the capability to dispatch emergency broadcasts and breaking news notifications in minutes; however, when articles contains in-depth and expert analysis it can sometimes take longer. While we endeavour to bring the news as it happens, reporting the facts correctly takes prescience. We would rather publish news that is correct and complete as opposed to publishing apologies after the fact because we raced for completion. If you would rather get rapid flash news, with questionable accuracy and depth, along with trailing apologies, we suggest you tune into some of the larger news conglomerates. We get it right the first time.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

In keeping with regulatory framework and community expectations, we offer several avenues of recourse should you have concerns about our work. Every member of the public is welcome to use any of the escalating channels to voice their concern. All concerns are heard. Please refer to our concerns policy for additional information.

Expansion

We cover news that matters – where and when it happens; however, we can’t be everywhere at once (our scientists are working on that). Part of our business strategy is to identify and grow into new markets, according to the following priority:

1. United States and, to a lesser extent, Canada.
2. Germany, France, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
3. European Union States (Italy, fmr. East Bloc, Netherlands, Scandinavia, etc).
4. South America, Africa, Asian South Pacific, and Eastern Europe.

In order to achieve these objectives, we are onboarding journalists, organizing field teams, establishing bureaus and building our rapid response capability – all in pursuit of the truth. We are also forging relationships with affiliates, freelancers and newscasters around the world. It is our goal to self-produce seventy percent (70%) of content by 2028, and ninety percent (90%) by 2032.

Concerns

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 personnel.  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 our online contact form. This is the fastest and most direct way of voicing your concern. We carefully review all feedback and strive to improve.  In many cases, simple misunderstandings can be cleared up quickly, to the satisfaction of all involved.  This may include corrections, retractions, or an informal discussion to gain a better mutual understanding.

OPTION TWO: DIRECT APPROACH

You are welcome to approach news personnel in the field.  We ask that you not interrupt their duties or act in a rude, threatening, or violent manner.  In some jurisdictions, preventing journalists from doing their duty is an offence.  It is our policy that journalists present identification when requested, circumstances permitting.  Please understand that journalists will not break off assignment to engage you.  Sometimes, face-to-face conversation and positive intra-personal exchanges prevent misunderstandings.

OPTION THREE: EXECUTIVE RESOLUTION

You may choose to express your concerns in writing to a news executive.  You are not required to try other options prior to this.  This option requires that your concerns:

(a) are received within thirty days of the incident; and

(b) must be in written form, with a copy of your government-issued identification; and

(c) must be accompanied by all pertinent evidence.  

You will receive a response from a news executive, all of whom are fully empowered to enact the measures necessary to fairly and correctly conclude your concern.  You can find our mailing address here.

OPTION FOUR: STANDING COMMITTEE ON JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY

You may also choose to write to our Standing Committee on Journalistic Integrity, a committee of the corporate board of directors tasked to investigate concerns and be the final voice of the corporation in respect to resolution.  This committee is empowered to make the final decision on your concern, and to direct the resolution they deem appropriate.  They are also capable of making sweeping policy change.

The following rules apply:

1. You must have attempted to resolve your concern by executive resolution (option three).
2. Your concern must be made in writing, attaching a copy of your government-issued identification.
3. Your correspondence must detail your exact concern and stipulate the specific resolution you seek.
4. You must submit all pertinent evidence and supporting material.
5. You must make the required deposit (below) with first contact.

Deposit Requirement.  We require that you enclose with your first letter, a bank draft or money order payable to SIGNAL HIGH NEWS CORPORATION in the amount of one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00 USD).  This is a non-refundable contribution to the cost of considering your concern.  If you suffer true and legitimate hardship, and are truthfully unable to pay this amount, please detail why you are unable to pay (e.g. summary of income and expenses) and have another person who knows you write a letter attesting to your circumstances.  The committee will assess your circumstances and decide whether or not to waive the deposit requirement. The committee may elect to refund your contribution, in whole or in part, at their sole option and discretion.

The burden to clearly demonstrate your concern is yours alone.  We are unable to protect your identity at any stage in this 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 to you the measures taken, or that we intend to take, to rectify your concern.  We may not consider concerns that have been lodged with the police, courts, or other investigative or regulatory bodies.  Please quote your file number on all correspondence, if you have one.  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.  

You can find our mailing address here.