However, while social media can definitely be a useful tool for a reporter, the implications of a social media presence for journalists and news organizations are still not entirely clear.

The release of the Social Media and Blogging Guidelines today by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) is an effort to help those in the news media protect themselves against some of the pitfalls of social media.

The guidelines focus on fairness, privacy and transparency and stress that when it comes to social media, nothing is private and journalists aren’t allowed to express personal opinions online — unless they want to open themselves up to complaints and potential libel suits.

The RTDNA also encourages plenty of newsroom discussion about the role of social media in reporting and sourcing (and references the infamous Twitter reports after the Fort Hood shooting, which I wrote about here) and the importance of — say it with me — formal, written protocols for action if a problem involving social media were to arise.

These guidelines just drive home the point that with journalism — no matter what the medium — it is important to act ethically and to have a plan.

Complete guidelines are available here. RTDNA members can check out the “Law & Ethics: Social Media Edition” webinar.