The principles, policies and ethics that MMG stands by for our audience.

Mission Statement:

Mustang Media Group is Cal Poly’s number-one source for local news, a national leader in college media, and a facilitator in highlighting student voices. 

Reporter Code of Conduct:

Mustang Media Group holds itself to a rigorous code of ethics. MMG uses the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics as the basis for any ethical decision. Any issue not clarified in the Code of Conduct should be vetted by the Ethics Code:

  1. Seek Truth and Report It
  2. Minimize Harm
  3. Act Independently
  4. Be Accountable and Transparent

Interview Policy:

MMG does not condone misleading sources or concealing being a reporter. Sources must give their consent to reporters to be quoted and/or recorded for publication. All reporters must identify themselves as a representative of MMG or Mustang News. MMG is not required to honor requests for statements to be off the record after they have been made, nor rescind publication of quotes or naming sources.

  • Anonymous Sources: MMG reserves the right to offer anonymity to any sources it deems fit. MMG will only offer anonymity if the information cannot be obtained from any other source, the information is vital to the report, the information is not an opinion and/or the source will face severe harm if their identity is revealed. Reporters must get permission from the sitting Editor-in-Chief to cite anonymous sources. If a source is granted anonymity, MMG will not reveal the identity to law enforcement.

Corrections and Transparency:

MMG strives to publish news both quickly and accurately. If a correction is requested, MMG editors are responsible for replying to a request for correction, evaluating the validity of the request, and finally applying the correction. MMG editors add a “Correction” note at the bottom of an article in italics, explaining the reasoning when any correction is issued.

Equitable Reporting:

MMG representatives have an obligation to accurately and fairly report stories. Reporters must attempt to make contact with every side of a story before publishing. If a subject does not respond, is unreachable or unwilling to give comment, the reporter must state that in the story. Best practice is seeking out two or more interviews from different perspectives on the topic.

  • Crime Reporting: In the course of its coverage, MMG may report on ongoing criminal investigations. MMG does not name police suspects in an investigation unless they have been formally charged with the crime. MMG never names law enforcement suspects under the age of 18. MMG only publishes descriptions of suspects if they are detailed, not solely race or gender-based, and if the suspect poses a serious and ongoing threat to the community.
  • Community Deaths: MMG does not report on community deaths as breaking news. In the event that a member of the campus or greater San Luis Obispo community dies, MMG responds by writing an obituary and honoring the deceased as well as their friends and family.
  • Compensation: MMG strives for a balanced and transparent newsroom. In order to achieve this goal, no reporter may accept any form of payment from the subject of a story. 
  • Conflict of Interest and Unbiased Journalism: Reporters may not report on any organization they are employed by or are a member of. Reporters will be removed from stories if an editor deems there to be a conflict of interest.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

MMG is committed as a student news organization to raise awareness of and actively support marginalized communities across social identities including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion/spirituality, nationality and socioeconomic status. MMG is also committed to addressing diverse issues in our newsroom, in our coverage and in our community.

Photos and Design:

MMG credits all courtesy photos to their proper owner and all original content. For content created by staff, MMG reserves the right to take photos in public places and does not require consent from photo subjects.

Artificial Intelligence:

MMG acknowledges the changing landscape when it comes to AI in media. When it comes to using AI in our newsroom, we solely use it for clarity and quick turnaround. This includes infrequent use of Adobe Generative AI graphics for news stories, and some social media content. Any use of AI content will be explicitly credited on all our platforms.

MMG does not use AI to write or edit any of its content. Notification of a staff member using AI to write or edit under the guise of original content will result in disciplinary action.

Videography:

MMG videography in public spaces is protected by the First Amendment. This includes video of speeches, protests, or any other events hosted or taking place on public property. MMG reporters are encouraged to request interviews when in-person covering events, in which case people are allowed to deny being on-camera. However, we ask the public not to cover, move, or otherwise physically touch our reporters cameras.

With many campus events, Mustang News is the first – or only – media outlet to provide quick and accurate coverage of breaking news. It is vital that our reporters are able to access spaces without being harmed.

  • Using outside video/content: In the instance that MMG uses content from community members, social media, or other media outlets, we will request permission and credit the source upon publication.