Sub-score (0-100). Question no. 53. In practice, journalists and editors adhere to strict, professional practices in their reporting.

A 100 score is earned where all the following conditions are met:
1) major media organizations have a formal document with standards guiding journalistic work (Code of Ethics, Editorial Guidelines, Statement of Principles, Code of Conduct, etc.),
2) the document codifies standards for the use of anonymous sources, conflicts of interest, and impartiality, and
3) major media organizations enforce this document.

A 50 score is earned where any of the following conditions apply:
1) some but not all major media organizations have a formal document,
2) the formal document contains only one of the three aspects mentioned in 100 (use of anonymous sources, conflicts of interest, and impartiality), or
3) major media organizations enforce this document but some exceptions exist.

A 0 score is earned where at least one of the following conditions apply:
1) most major media organizations lack a formal document,
2) the formal document is vague and doesn't provide guidance on use of anonymous sources, conflicts of interest, and impartiality, or
3) major media organizations rarely or never enforce this document.