Journalism is one of the most ethically-bound professions in Canada.  Not by law, but by tradition, precedent, and practice.  The vast majority of journalists in my country come at their jobs with an objective eye, life experience, and a passion for telling other peoples stories.  What I mean by “ethically-bound” is the one thing binding most reporters from all type outlets are their ethics.  Particularly with regards to conflict of interest.  Journalism is a profession where ethics are paramount; conflict of interests and perceived conflicts are verboten.  Any implication favours have been traded for positive coverage would kill a career.  If you don’t understand journalism’s ethics, will you know if you’ve inadvertently crossed an ethical line?  Certainly, I’d expect the journalist will tell you…but is that how you really want to find out?