In their book The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect, Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel list the basic guiding concepts for journalists:

1. Journalism's first obligation is to tell the truth.
2. Journalism's first loyalty is to its citizens.
3. The essence of journalism is a discipline of verification.
4. Journalists must maintain an independence from those they cover.
5. Journalists must serve as an independent monitor of power.
6. Journalism must provide a forum for public criticism and comment.
7. Journalists must make the significant interesting and relevant.
8. Journalists should keep the news in proportion and make it comprehensive.
9. Journalists have an obligation to personal conscience.