Purpose:
At FourWheels, we uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism in our coverage of automobiles and the automotive industry. This code is designed to ensure every team member conducts themselves with honesty, fairness, and accountability, strictly adhering to laws, editorial integrity, and public trust.
Gifts, Favors, and Payments:
- Gifts, favors, and payments provided by FourWheels must align with ethical journalism practices, be of limited value, comply with legal norms, and must not cause reputational harm if publicly disclosed.
- Any payment or compensation to third parties without a formal agreement is not permitted under company policy.
Gifts, Favors, Entertainment, and Payments Received:
- Associates must not seek or accept gifts, favors, entertainment, or payments without a legitimate business purpose, especially from entities doing or seeking to do business with FourWheels.
- Exceptions include common courtesies associated with business practices and gifts of small value. However, strict standards apply, especially regarding gifts from suppliers.
- Associates must avoid situations where personal interests could conflict with the values and objectives of FourWheels and must report any such situations to the management immediately.
- This also includes investments, side business ownership, or collaborations with competitors that may affect FourWheels’ credibility or independence.
Confidential Information:
- Unauthorized sharing or use of confidential, embargoed, or sensitive content is strictly forbidden. Breaches may result in disciplinary action, including termination.
- Test vehicles, embargoed press releases, and unreleased automotive data must be handled with confidentiality and professionalism.
Compliance:
- Violation of this Code of Ethics may lead to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination.
- Team members are required to report any policy violations they observe.
Social Media Guidelines:
Introduction:
- Social media content posted by team members reflects on FourWheels. It must be professional, accurate, and in line with our editorial standards.
- Associates are expected to comply with all company guidelines as outlined in our Editorial and Employee Handbooks.
Be Careful What You Post:
- Each team member is personally accountable for their online conduct. Content that is offensive, false, or misleading may lead to disciplinary consequences.
- Opinions shared online must be clearly labeled as personal and must not misrepresent FourWheels’ views.
Be Respectful and Professional:
- Maintain respect and courtesy across all platforms. Avoid posts that may be perceived as abusive, harassing, or defamatory.
- Uphold the privacy and dignity of individuals, and avoid spreading unverified claims.
Be Honest and Accurate:
- Accuracy is vital. Any errors must be corrected promptly and transparently. Our credibility relies on truthful and well-researched reporting.
Respect Laws and Confidentiality:
- Team members must follow all legal, copyright, and privacy obligations when publishing content or handling source materials.
- Confidential information related to FourWheels or external partners must never be shared without approval.
Report Your Concerns:
- If you witness unethical behavior or a potential breach of this policy, report it to the Editor or HR immediately.
- Retaliation against anyone raising a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Plagiarism and Fairness:
- Plagiarism is strictly against FourWheels’ values. All content must be original or properly cited.
- We ensure balanced reporting by offering all parties mentioned in our stories an opportunity to respond before publication.