Editorial Guidelines
These standards guide our newsroom—what we publish, how we verify it, and how we label it for readers. When we fall short, we correct the record quickly and clearly.
Labeling: News, Analysis, Opinion
- News: Fact-first reporting drawn from on-the-record sources and documents.
- Analysis: Explains significance, context, and tradeoffs—grounded in sourcing.
- Opinion: Clearly labeled perspective pieces; authors own their views.
Labels appear near the headline and in structured data (schema.org) for transparency and platform clarity.
Sourcing & Links
- Primary sources first. We prioritize official documents, transcripts, filings, data, and direct quotes.
- Inline citations. Wherever feasible, we link in-line on the words or phrases that summarize a claim.
- No social embeds as proof. Social posts can illustrate context but are not sole evidence.
- Blocked sources. We avoid certain low-signal or policy-misaligned domains; see our source hygiene in article templates.
Verification & Fact-Checking
- We corroborate key facts across independent sources or primary records.
- Statistics are linked to original data when available; methodologies are described when material.
- Headlines reflect the body and documents; quotes are transcribed faithfully and in context.
Anonymous & Confidential Sources
Use of anonymity is rare. We require a compelling public-interest rationale, direct knowledge of the facts, and corroboration. Editors must know the source’s identity and assess motive and reliability.
Corrections & Updates
We correct substantive errors with a clear note at the foot of the story and update the Updated timestamp. Minor copyedits that don’t change meaning may be made silently. See our full Corrections policy.
Conflicts & Independence
We avoid assignments that present personal or financial conflicts. Editorial decisions are independent of business interests. Any unavoidable potential conflict is disclosed to readers.
Use of Automation & AI
We may use software to assist with transcription, research discovery, and copy editing. Editors review all output. We do not publish synthetic quotes or fabricated evidence. Responsibility for accuracy rests with our newsroom.
Contact
Have a correction, concern, or tip? Visit Contact or email hello@thelibertytribune.com. See our Masthead for editors.