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MAPO
December 24, 2008
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION
SUBJECT: Pointer View Editorial and News Policies
1. The Pointer View mission is to provide news and other editorial content in order to support the superintendent’s internal information objectives, keep our audiences accurately informed about matters affecting their futures, improve morale and quell rumors.
2. The primary Pointer View audiences are Faculty and Staff (including coaches), their Family members (particularly those living on post), cadets, local service members, including Reservists and local retirees.
3. The following editorial policy guidelines apply:
The Director of Public Affairs & Communications provides oversight and final approval authority for the news and editorial content, as well as, through our Commercial Enterprise contract, all advertising.
a.Using these editorial policies, the editor makes the decision to cover or publish any story or event. The editor normally coordinates story assignments with staff photojournalists two weeks in advance.
b.News and information will be timely, truthful, accurate, objective and balanced.
c.Given limited space, we prefer to publicize upcoming events to increase awareness and attendance, rather than report on events that have already occurred. Due to the high number of functions at West Point, unless they are unique, the Pointer View does not publish stories on standard occurrences like promotions, award ceremonies or retirements.
d.We will not withhold bad or unfavorable news, as that practice is ultimately counterproductive and, in accordance with AR 360-1 (The Army Public Affairs Program), prohibited.
e.We distinguish between and clearly identify editorials (command position) and commentaries (personal opinion). Stories distinguish fact from opinion, and when an opinion is expressed, we identify the source.
f.Editorials will help readers understand Army policies and programs. They will not imply criticism of other government agencies, nor advocate or dispute specific political, diplomatic or legislative matters. We do not use statements or articles on legislative matters by people or agencies outside the DOD, including officials or candidates for public office.
g.Stories written by the Pointer View staff provide our primary news content, but we also regularly use localized press releases and stories from the Department of Defense and Department of the Army.
h.We credit all material from non-local or external sources.
i.We encourage contributions from stringers (writers not on the newspaper staff). Any member of the greater West Point community may contact the editor to contribute story ideas or actual stories and photos. The deadline for articles previously coordinated with the editor is no later than Monday noon for publication on Thursday. The editor will edit all copy, and the DPAC has final approval of all edits.
j.All private organizations approved to operate on the installation may have meetings announced and other material considered for use. No organization, including authorized veterans organizations, will receive preferential treatment. Events must be available to all readers without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor.
k.Nothing in the editorial section of the newspaper will endorse commercial products, commodities or services.
l.We avoid covering morbid, sensational or unnecessarily alarming issues as good taste and propriety are key elements of the academy’s newspaper.
m.Everything in the newspaper will follow applicable laws, regulations, to include AR 360-1, and industry recognized guidelines involving libel, copyright and trademark, as well as government contract, printing and postal regulations.
n.The Associated Press Stylebook style is the basis of our newspaper style. Thus, for example, the abbreviation Lt. Col. is preferred over LTC.
o.The editor will correct errors of fact and mistakes in the next issue of the newspaper.
p.Recurring Columns: we normally discourage recurring columns because they rarely last more than a month or two. Those requesting dedicated space must designate a content manager and prepare and submit two months of content prior to page publication. The editor will determine if a request for a recurring column has merit.
q.Photos: Photos normally accepted for publication include on-the-job action photos. IAW AR 360-1, photographic clichés of the grip-and-grin and check-presentation genre have little news value in PA operations. Photographs should show people doing their jobs or otherwise performing the activity that warrants newspaper coverage. We will not knowingly publish photos containing classified information, dress and personal appearance violations, safety violations or which compromise force protection measures. Photos will not be altered. Photos will include a brief description of the action pictured, the date of the photo, the ranks, names and units of people featured in the photo and the rank and name of the photographer.
r.Fund Drives: Coverage is limited to those campaigns authorized by Army regulations, namely the Combined Federal Campaign and the Army Assistance Fund.
s.Letters (or e-mails) to the editor or commentaries are welcome feedback. All letters and commentaries must include the contributor’s name, phone number and organization.
t.The editorial staff uses the findings and recommendations of the annual West Point Army Family Action Plan Symposium in lieu of an annual survey to address community concerns and improve and refine the Pointer View.
4. The Web-based version of the Pointer View is in two formats -- an interactive version of the current paper with all editorial accessible and a PDF of the entire paper without advertising on the archives page.
5. Since Oct. 1, 2008, the Times Herald-Record of Middletown, N.Y., has been West Point’s contractor for advertising sales, printing, subscriptions and distribution (including home delivery) of the Pointer View. The contracting officer representative is the chief of the Web and Print Communications branch.
6. The point of contact for this action is the editor, Linda Mastin, at 845-938-2015.
Brian Tribus
LTC, AR
Director of Public Affairs & Communications
DISTRIBUTION:
All USMA organizations
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