Within the NPR ethics guidelines under “impartiality”, I chose to discuss the guideline, “honor impartiality in speaking appearances and outside work”. In short this policy states that NPR journalists are to carry themselves according to NPR’s standards when not on NPR territory. They are asked to not express personal opinions similar to how they are asked not to do so on their own shows. This is required in order to ensure the individual’s as well as NPR’s impartiality.

This policy seems fair and justified. It does not cross any boundaries nor is not enough information to leave employees unsure of what they can and cannot do. This policy seems to be common sense, do not say anything that the individual would not say at work.

NPR’s guidelines may be tougher in this area in order to make sure that they live up to their values as an organization. Within their overview “This is NPR”, they state that NPR is number one in being the most credible and honest organization. Ensuring that their employees are not expressing their personal opinions and bias’s is what keeps their impartiality in tact and the employees remain credible in their statements. Because NPR is generally unbiased and does more informing this may be different compared to other news outlets. Other outlets are built around opinions and bias’s which is why they may not be as strict regarding this sort of policy.

Reporters who cover other topics not related to politics may be held to the same standards depending on what organization or what the premise behind their reporting is. If it is a talk show discussing the latest sporting events or entertainment events they may thrive off of not being impartial. It all depends on the premise of the show and organization and what they are trying to convey or accomplish with their work.

In general, a one size fits all policy does not work regarding this policy. It may work for this organization but may be irrelevant to another. For instance, having this policy on Undisputed with Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe would defeat the purpose of their show. Their show is based around their opinions and bias’s toward sports team which is what makes the show entertaining. So, in this case, this policy does not work with the one size fits all.