A Modern 'Hippocratic Oath' for Media: From Ancient Ethics to Community Journalism
HastingsNow.com believes local media has a unique opportunity to rebuild trust—starting right here in Hastings.
Healing the Divide with a New Kind of Oath
Hastings, Minnesota—like much of the country—is experiencing a moment where political divisions run deep. And for HastingsNow.com (aka H-town), this creates a real dilemma: some local groups, individuals, and businesses hesitate to support us unless we "choose a side." But we won’t. Because H-town isn't here to echo partisan talking points. We're here to connect, inform, and amplify local voices from all corners of our community.
So, how do we stay true to our mission and still earn community trust and support? We turn to one of the most enduring ethical frameworks in human history: the Hippocratic Oath.
This blog post explores why this ancient medical oath has endured—and how HastingsNow.com can adopt a similar, values-driven oath for local media. We'll explore:
The history and evolution of the original Hippocratic Oath
Why the media industry has never adopted anything like it
And finally, a modern, practical ethical framework we’re proudly adopting at H-town
The Origin Story – What Makes the Hippocratic Oath So Timeless?
The Hippocratic Oath dates back to Ancient Greece (around the 5th century BCE), attributed to Hippocrates of Kos. While originally designed for doctors, its philosophical roots—centered on doing no harm, serving the public, and upholding integrity—have inspired ethical frameworks across many fields.
Key tenets of the original oath include:
Putting the patient’s well-being first
Refusing to exploit, harm, or discriminate
Promising confidentiality
Respecting the limits of one’s knowledge and profession
Over centuries, this oath has evolved (like the Declaration of Geneva in 1948 and Dr. Louis Lasagna’s 1964 version), adapting to modern values while keeping the heart of the original: an unwavering commitment to human dignity and public service.
It persists because it’s:
Universally understood
Adaptable to modern contexts
Publicly affirmed, often at graduation
Trusted by those it serves
Why Journalism Never Got Its Own Hippocratic Oath
Despite the power journalists hold—informing the public, holding power accountable, and shaping local narratives—there’s no widely accepted oath in media. Why?
Some theories:
Freedom of the press: Journalists fear any formal oath could become a tool of censorship
Decentralization: Journalism isn’t licensed or universally credentialed like medicine
Diverse roles: Investigative reporter vs. opinion columnist vs. local blogger—hard to write one pledge for all
Business pressures: Journalists often work for companies that prioritize ad revenue and ratings
While organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists offer codes of ethics (e.g. “Seek Truth and Report It,” “Minimize Harm,” etc.), there’s no shared oath taken across the industry. But maybe it's time.
Thought leaders like George Monbiot and the British Press Gazette have called for a journalistic Hippocratic Oath—something to reinforce integrity, accuracy, and independence, especially in a time of growing public mistrust.
How HastingsNow.com Plans to Lead the Way
We believe local media has a unique opportunity to rebuild trust—starting right here in Hastings.
That’s why we’re introducing our own ethical framework: a Hippocratic Oath for Local Media. It reflects our “Show & Tell” model:
Show: Deep-dive research reports that tackle local and industry issues
Tell: Real-time RSS bundles that share the freshest quotes, deals, events, and soundbites from 300+ Hastings-area brands
🧭 Our Local Media Oath:
"We, the team of HastingsNow, pledge to serve our community by reporting truthfully and accurately, without fear or favor. We will remain independent and politically neutral, giving fair voice to all facets of our community. We will treat our neighbors with respect and compassion, minimizing harm while highlighting truth. We hold ourselves accountable to the public, striving always to inform, unite, and strengthen our community of Hastings."
Our 6 Guiding Principles:
Truthfulness & Accuracy ("Show" the Facts)
We commit to fact-based, clearly sourced research. We’re not here for clickbait—we’re here for clarity.Neutrality & Independence
We don't pick sides. We don't play politics. Our loyalty is to the entire Hastings community.Fairness & Inclusivity ("Tell" with Respect)
We give space to diverse voices—whether you’re a brand-new business or a longtime civic leader. Everyone belongs here.Community Beneficence (“Do No Harm”)
We consider the potential harm our content may cause. We aim to inform, not inflame.Transparency & Accountability
We own our mistakes. We show our work. We’re open to feedback—and grateful for it.Empathy & Engagement
We’re not just journalists—we’re your neighbors. We show up, listen, and share your stories with care.
Final Thought: A New Tradition Starts Here
Like doctors, we want our community to know: we take this responsibility seriously. H-town may be small, but we believe we can set a national example for what ethical, inclusive, community-first media looks like.
If you're a business, a civic leader, or a curious neighbor—you don't have to agree with everything we publish. You just need to know that we’re doing our part to report the truth, treat people fairly, and uplift Hastings with heart.
Because trust doesn’t come from taking sides. It comes from taking a stand—for integrity, inclusion, and meaningful connection.
🕊️ We’re here to earn your trust—not your vote.
📣 Want to be part of the conversation? Explore our research reports, check out our Hastings Soundbites, or reach out to share your own.
Let’s make Hastings the most connected town in Minnesota—together.
