Adopted on: August 16, 2017
I. Purpose
The purpose of this Conflict of Interest Policy is to protect the integrity and public trust of NewsTalk New England, Inc., a nonprofit, independent journalism organization. NewsTalk New England depends on the trust of the public, its donors, and its communities to conduct business with transparency, fairness, and accountability.
This policy is intended to help board members, officers, staff, volunteers, and contractors identify, disclose, and address potential conflicts of interest in order to avoid any inappropriate influence on decisions or operations of the organization.
II. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Board of Directors
- Officers
- Staff (paid or volunteer)
- Contractors, freelancers, or independent contributors
- Significant volunteers and editorial staff
III. Definition of Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when an individual’s personal, financial, or professional interests (or those of their family or associates) may impair their objectivity or create actual or perceived bias in carrying out their duties for NewsTalk New England.
Conflicts may include, but are not limited to:
- Financial interests in vendors, suppliers, advertisers, or donors doing business with NewsTalk New England.
- Family or close personal relationships with individuals involved in transactions or decisions of the organization.
- Employment, consulting, or board service with organizations that may directly compete, conflict, or influence NewsTalk New England’s independent operations.
- Engagement in political activities that may compromise journalistic objectivity or nonprofit compliance.
- Personal or financial gain derived from inside information acquired through association with NewsTalk New England.
IV. Editorial Independence & Additional Safeguards
As a nonprofit news organization, NewsTalk New England maintains strict editorial independence. Board members, donors, and funders shall not attempt to influence or participate in editorial decisions, story selection, or newsroom operations.
Newsroom staff must disclose any outside relationships that may affect the impartiality or perceived objectivity of their reporting, including:
- Political affiliations
- Business relationships with sources or subjects of coverage
- Personal relationships with individuals involved in stories
V. Disclosure and Duty to Report
All individuals covered by this policy have a continuing duty to promptly disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest.
- Annual Disclosure: Board members and officers must complete and submit an annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form.
- Ongoing Disclosure: New conflicts arising during the year must be reported immediately to the Board Chair (for board members), or to the President/CEO (for staff or volunteers).
VI. Review and Action
Upon disclosure, the Board of Directors (or designated committee) shall review the situation. The Board may:
- Determine no conflict exists
- Approve the conflict with documented safeguards
- Require recusal from decision-making on related matters
- Prohibit the conflicting activity
No conflicted individual may participate in votes or deliberations related to their disclosed conflict.
VII. Violations of Policy
Failure to disclose or properly address conflicts of interest may result in disciplinary action, including termination of board service, volunteer roles, or employment. The Board of Directors will handle any violations with full authority under these Bylaws.
VIII. Documentation
All disclosures, discussions, and Board actions regarding conflicts of interest shall be documented in official meeting minutes and records.