Disclosure of Conflict of Interest Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to protect the integrity and public trust of What’s Up Worcester News, Inc. by ensuring that all board members, staff, contractors, and contributors act in the best interest of the organization and the community we serve.
Conflicts of interest can compromise journalistic independence or decision-making, and this policy establishes a transparent process for identifying, disclosing, and managing them.
Definition of a Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when an individual’s personal, professional, financial, or political interests could influence or appear to influence their judgment, decisions, or actions on behalf of What’s Up Worcester.
Conflicts may be:
- Financial: Direct or indirect benefit from a donor, sponsor, or vendor.
- Personal or professional: Relationships that could affect reporting, hiring, or organizational decisions.
- Editorial: Connections to individuals, organizations, or topics covered by What’s Up Worcester’s reporting.
Who This Policy Applies To
This policy applies to:
- Members of the Board of Directors
- Staff, contributors, and freelance journalists
- Volunteers or contractors involved in editorial, financial, or governance decisions
Disclosure Requirements
- Annual Disclosure Form
All individuals covered by this policy must complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form each year, declaring any real, potential, or perceived conflicts. - Ongoing Disclosure
Individuals must promptly inform the Editor-in-Chief or Board Chair of any new conflicts that arise during the year. - Editorial Transparency
Journalists and contributors must disclose any personal relationships or affiliations relevant to the subjects they cover.
When necessary, the organization will note the disclosure publicly within the article or broadcast.
Review and Resolution
- All disclosures are reviewed by the Board of Directors (for board or executive matters) or the Editor-in-Chief (for editorial matters).
- If a conflict is determined to exist, appropriate steps will be taken, such as:
- Recusal from decision-making or voting
- Reassignment of a story or responsibility
- Public disclosure of the connection when relevant to coverage
- The board may request additional documentation or action to ensure transparency and accountability.
Confidentiality
Information disclosed under this policy will be treated with confidentiality and used solely for the purpose of managing potential or actual conflicts of interest.
Consequences of Non-Disclosure
Failure to disclose a conflict of interest may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the board, termination of contract, or suspension of assignments.
Annual Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors of What’s Up Worcester News, Inc., and updated as needed to reflect best practices in nonprofit and ethical journalism governance.
Approved by: Board of Directors, What’s Up Worcester News, Inc.
Effective Date: October 2025
Contact: jfilmore@whatsupworcester.com | editor@whatsupworcester.com