Ethics

Independence

Editorial decisions are made independently. UNLV Athletics, coaches, players, collectives, sponsors, advertisers and business partners do not receive control over coverage in exchange for access, money or another benefit.

Access and credentials

Media access is a reporting tool, not a promise of favorable coverage. Credentials, interview opportunities and relationships with sources do not change the obligation to report accurately and independently.

Conflicts of interest

Contributors should disclose relationships that could reasonably call their independence into question, including employment or financial relationships involving athletic departments, NIL collectives, agents, booster groups or subjects of coverage. When a conflict cannot be managed through disclosure, the contributor should not handle that story.

Betting and gambling

Coverage decisions should not be influenced by a personal wager or financial interest in the outcome of a game. A contributor should not use nonpublic reporting information to place a bet or provide that information to someone else for wagering purposes.

Gifts and benefits

Staff should not accept cash, gifts, favors or compensation intended to influence coverage. Routine media hospitality can be accepted when it is part of normal event access and does not create an editorial obligation.

Recruiting and minors

Recruiting coverage can involve high school athletes and families. Reporting should avoid publishing private contact information, academic or medical details, or other sensitive information that is not necessary to the story. Rumor is not a substitute for confirmation.

Embargoes and sourcing agreements

An embargo or sourcing agreement is honored when its terms are clearly established before the information is shared. A source cannot retroactively declare published or on-the-record information off the record.