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The most important feature of a conflict of interest, is it can compromise your ability to act impartially and honestly, as a journalist.

A mere perception of conflict is enough to undermine the trust of the reader, viewer or listener, in the integrity of your work.

Best way to deal with conflict of interest is to avoid it entirely.

The next best way is to disclose it - to your supervisor, or if material, to your audience.

If you or your relative owns shares in a company that you are covering, or in the industry you follow, it can create a perception of bias and self-interest.

News organisation often require journalists to dispose off their holdings in the companies or industries they cover.

ETHICS HANDBOOK FOR JOURNALISTS
Thomson Reuters Foundation