Reporters Participating In Fundraisers

[miss hap]

Do you allow/are you allowed reporters to participate in fundraisers?

My station is a sponsor of an Empty Bowls fundraiser at a local church. A reporter in the newsroom wants to serve soup.

Everything I've read (SPJ, Poynter, RTNDA) is rather vague on the topic - most only address political fundraisers.

[Old Shooter]

I don't have much problem with non-profit events. On a personal level it's being part of your community and on a station level it falls under promotion.

If you sit on a board or are acive you should recuse yourself about reporting on the group but that is pretty obvious.

I personally feel that media people should be involved more in the real life of their community rather than less. As a manager with more than a few gray hairs I wish I could get more of my 20 somethings to get out and think more about others than just themselves. Just don't cross the journalism line and report on groups you are involved with.

[Sigonfile]

Our anchor staff does no less than 10 "silent auction" fundraisers a year. It is required.

[NewsguyMark]

Two words: Community service. Two more words: Equals ratings.