Rules Of Engagement

Effective date: 02 October 1997  |  Last updated: 02 October 1997

At Ashcroft Media Group, we operate in the field — covering breaking news, attending events, and reporting from the heart of Los Santos and across San Andreas. These Rules of Engagement ("ROE") set out the standards our journalists, correspondents, photographers, and field staff follow to ensure our operations are safe, ethical, and respectful of the community we serve.

These rules apply to all AMG personnel, contributors, and affiliates operating in the field. They supplement, and should be read alongside, our Editorial Charter, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.

1. Core Principles

Every AMG field operation is guided by three core principles:

• Safety first: The safety of our team, our audience, and the public is our highest priority.
• Integrity always: We report truthfully, fairly, and transparently in every situation.
• Respect for all: We treat every individual with dignity, regardless of their role, faction, or status.

2. Press Credentials & Identification

All AMG field personnel must carry and display valid press credentials while on assignment. These credentials identify the bearer as a member of the Ashcroft Media Group press corps.

• Credentials must be visible at all times during active reporting.
• Credentials are non-transferable and may only be used by the issued bearer.
• Lost or stolen credentials must be reported to AMG management immediately.
• Credentials may be revoked at any time for violations of these Rules of Engagement.

3. Reporting in the Field

AMG journalists are committed to covering stories accurately and ethically. In the field, our personnel must:

• Identify themselves: Clearly state that they are with Ashcroft Media Group when approaching individuals for comment or interviews.
• Respect boundaries: Withdraw immediately if asked to leave a private area or if an individual declines to be recorded.
• Remain neutral: Do not participate in, instigate, or escalate conflicts or roleplay scenarios being covered.
• Avoid obstruction: Do not obstruct emergency services, law enforcement, or other essential operations.

4. Safety & Security

The safety of our team is paramount. AMG field personnel must:

• Assess risk: Evaluate the safety of any situation before entering. If a location is deemed too dangerous, do not proceed.
• Maintain communication: Keep in regular contact with AMG management and fellow team members during assignments.
• Withdraw when necessary: If a situation becomes unsafe, withdraw immediately. No story is worth a life.
• Carry only with authorisation: AMG field personnel may only carry a weapon while on assignment if they hold a valid Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) license. A copy of the license must be on file with AMG management as evidence prior to any field operation. Personnel without a valid CCW license and on-file evidence are strictly prohibited from carrying weapons on assignment.

5. Interactions with Law Enforcement

AMG recognises the important role of law enforcement agencies across San Andreas. When interacting with law enforcement in the field, our personnel must:

• Comply with lawful orders: Follow reasonable instructions from law enforcement officers, including requests to move back from a scene.
• Maintain composure: Remain calm, professional, and respectful at all times.
• Know the boundaries: While we have the right to report, we do not have the right to interfere with police operations or enter secured areas.
• Report misconduct: If our personnel witness misconduct by law enforcement, it should be documented and reported through proper channels.

6. Interactions with the Public

The people of Los Santos are the foundation of our work. Our field personnel must:

• Be courteous: Treat every individual with respect and professionalism.
• Protect the vulnerable: Exercise extra care when dealing with minors, victims of crime, or individuals in distress.
• Respect privacy: Do not intrude into private grief or personal matters beyond what is necessary for the public interest.
• Correct errors: If inaccurate information is reported, take prompt steps to correct it.

7. Coverage of Sensitive Events

Some events — including accidents, crimes, and emergencies — require heightened sensitivity. When covering such events, AMG personnel must:

• Prioritise human dignity: Avoid gratuitous or sensationalised coverage of suffering.
• Respect emergency scenes: Do not interfere with emergency response efforts.
• Consider the impact: Weigh the public interest against potential harm to individuals and communities.
• Follow management guidance: Adhere to any specific instructions issued by AMG management for sensitive coverage.

8. Live Broadcasting

When broadcasting live from the field, AMG personnel must:

• Prepare adequately: Ensure equipment is functional and the broadcast location is safe.
• Exercise caution: Avoid broadcasting information that could compromise ongoing operations or endanger individuals.
• Maintain professionalism: Represent AMG with the highest standards of conduct on air.
• Expect the unexpected: Be prepared to cut a broadcast if a situation becomes unsafe or inappropriate.

9. Corrections & Accountability

AMG is committed to accuracy and transparency. If errors occur in our reporting, we will:

• Acknowledge mistakes: Promptly correct inaccurate information.
• Be transparent: Clearly explain what was corrected and why.
• Learn and improve: Review our processes to prevent future errors.
• Hold ourselves accountable: Take appropriate action when these Rules of Engagement are violated.

10. Compliance & Enforcement

Compliance with these Rules of Engagement is mandatory for all AMG field personnel. Violations may result in:

• Verbal or written warnings.
• Suspension from field assignments.
• Revocation of press credentials.
• Termination of association with Ashcroft Media Group.

Any concerns about the conduct of AMG personnel should be reported to management using the contact details below.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or reports regarding these Rules of Engagement, please contact us: