Central Valley Voice
Ethics and Correction Policy
Our Commitment to Ethical Journalism Central Valley Voice will seek to present news fairly and without knowingly favoring a particular individual, organization, political candidate, business, or group. We will make reasonable efforts to include relevant perspectives when reporting on issues involving disagreement or controversy. Being fair does not require giving every position equal weight; our responsibility is to accurately report relevant facts and provide appropriate context. Editorial decisions will be based on the news value and public interest of a story rather than personal, political, or financial interests.
Conflicts of Interest
Staff members, contributors, and freelance writers should disclose potential conflicts of interest to the appropriate editor or publisher. Individuals involved in reporting should avoid situations in which a personal, financial, political, family, or organizational relationship could compromise—or reasonably appear to compromise—their journalistic independence. Advertising, sponsorship, donations, or community partnerships will not automatically determine whether a story is published or how a news story is reported. Sources and Attribution Central Valley Voice will identify sources whenever practical and appropriate. We will make clear when information comes from public records, official statements, interviews, community organizations, or other sources. Anonymous sources will be used only when there is a legitimate journalistic reason to withhold a person’s identity, such as protecting the source from potential harm or retaliation. When anonymity is necessary, we will provide as much context as possible about the source without revealing their identity. We will not knowingly plagiarize another person’s work. Material obtained from other publications or sources will be appropriately attributed.
Photographs, Video, and Digital Content                                                                       Central Valley Voice will make reasonable efforts to ensure that photographs, videos, graphics, and other visual materials accurately represent the circumstances in which they were created or obtained. We will not intentionally manipulate images or digital content in a way that misleads readers about a news event or person. When photographs or other materials are supplied by outside individuals or organizations, we will make reasonable efforts to verify their source and obtain appropriate permission when required. Opinion and Advertising News reporting and opinion will be clearly distinguished. Editorials, columns, commentary, and letters represent opinions and should not be presented as independently reported news. Paid advertising, sponsored content, and promotional material will be clearly identified so readers can distinguish it from independent journalism.
Corrections Policy                                                                                        Central Valley Voice believes that correcting mistakes is an essential part of responsible journalism. If we publish inaccurate information, we will make reasonable efforts to correct the error as promptly as possible. Corrections may be made when:
A factual error is identified.
A name, date, location, title, quotation, statistic, or other important detail is incorrect.
Published information creates a materially misleading impression.
Additional verified information substantially changes the accuracy or context of a previously published report. When a significant error is identified, we will correct the online version of the story when appropriate and provide a correction notice explaining what was changed. For significant errors in a print publication, we will consider publishing the correction in a subsequent issue. Minor typographical or grammatical errors that do not change the meaning of a story may be corrected without a formal correction notice.
Requesting a Correction
Readers, sources, organizations, and community members are encouraged to bring factual errors to our attention. A correction request should identify: The story, article, photograph, or publication in question.
The specific information believed to be inaccurate.
The correct information. Supporting documentation or credible sources, when available. Correction requests will be reviewed in good faith. The publication will determine whether a correction is warranted based on the available evidence. Submitting a correction request does not guarantee that a correction will be made. Central Valley Voice will not change accurate reporting simply because an individual or organization disagrees with the reporting, its conclusions, or its coverage.
Updates and Clarifications
When new, verified information becomes available after publication, Central Valley Voice may update a story to improve its accuracy or provide additional context. If an update materially changes the original report, we will make reasonable efforts to indicate that the story has been updated and explain the significance of the change.
Accountability
Central Valley Voice welcomes questions and concerns about our journalism. We believe accountability strengthens community journalism and helps us maintain the trust of our readers. Our commitment is to report accurately, correct our mistakes, listen to our communities, and remain accountable to the public we serve.
Policy Statement
This Proof of Ethics and Correction Policy reflects the standards Central Valley Voice strives to follow in its reporting and editorial work. As our organization grows, we may review and update this policy to strengthen our journalistic practices and better serve our readers.
