The Coast News is committed to accurate, fair, transparent and independent local journalism that strengthens and informs the communities we serve. We generally follow Associated Press style and apply the following standards across our print, digital, social media, audio, photo and video journalism.
Accuracy and fairness
Accuracy is the foundation of our journalism. We verify information before publication, use reliable sources and provide appropriate context. We distinguish fact from opinion and do not knowingly publish false, misleading or materially incomplete information.
Whenever possible, we verify information using official documents, firsthand reporting, public records and interviews with knowledgeable sources. Information from a single source is corroborated whenever practical, particularly when reporting on matters of public importance.
When information cannot be independently confirmed, we clearly explain what is known, what remains uncertain and where the information originated.
Our journalists seek multiple perspectives when appropriate and strive to represent differing viewpoints honestly and in context.
People or organizations facing criticism, allegations or negative coverage will be given a meaningful opportunity to respond before publication whenever possible. When a response cannot be obtained, we will explain the efforts made or update the story when a response is received.
Headlines, photographs, captions and social media posts must fairly reflect the reporting and must not exaggerate the facts or imply guilt that has not been established.
Sources and attribution
We identify sources whenever possible and clearly attribute information that may be disputed. Information from news releases, social media, public records and other news organizations must be independently evaluated and properly credited.
When appropriate, we explain how information was obtained so readers can better evaluate its reliability and context.
Anonymous sources may be used only when the information is important, unavailable through other means and provided by a source in a position to know. An editor must know the source’s identity and approve the use of anonymous information.
We do not plagiarize, fabricate quotations or facts, or present another person’s work as our own.
Crime, arrests and allegations
An arrest or accusation is not a conviction. Our reporting will clearly distinguish among an allegation, investigation, arrest, charge, plea, conviction, dismissal and acquittal.
The Coast News will not automatically identify private individuals solely because their names appear in an arrest log or police report. Names will be published when identification serves a clear public-interest or public-safety purpose, including serious or independently newsworthy cases, wanted suspects, threats to the community, or allegations involving public officials or others in positions of public trust.
Routine police activity may be reported without identifying the arrested person. When we name someone in connection with an unresolved allegation, we will seek that person’s response and report significant developments, including dismissed charges, acquittals or decisions not to prosecute.
We generally do not identify juvenile suspects, victims of sexual crimes or vulnerable people unless there is an overriding public-interest reason.
Minimizing harm and respecting privacy
The fact that information is publicly available does not automatically make its publication ethical or necessary. We balance the public’s need to know against potential harm, privacy, safety and the permanent reach of online publication.
We avoid gratuitous personal details, graphic material and images that add little public value. We treat victims, grieving families, children and vulnerable people with particular care.
Public officials and public figures receive greater scrutiny, but private conduct will be reported only when it has a clear connection to public duties, public trust or a matter of legitimate community concern.
Corrections and updates
We correct factual errors promptly, clearly and transparently.
Material online corrections will include a note explaining what was wrong and what was changed. We do not quietly remove or alter significant errors.
Minor changes involving spelling, grammar, formatting or other issues that do not affect the substance or meaning of a story may be made without a formal correction notice.
Clarifications may be added when reporting is accurate but could be misunderstood. Developing stories may be updated as new verified information becomes available.
Readers who believe we have published inaccurate information are encouraged to contact our newsroom at [email protected]. Please include:
- A link to the story
- A description of the potential error
- Supporting information or documentation, if available
Every correction request will be reviewed seriously by our editorial staff and without retaliation.
Independence and conflicts of interest
The Coast News is independently owned and locally operated. Our journalism is produced independently of our advertising, marketing and business operations.
Editorial decisions are made independently based on newsworthiness, accuracy and the public interest. Advertisers, sponsors, donors, political organizations, business partners and other outside interests do not control our news coverage, editorial decisions or story selection.
Editorial staff members must disclose personal, financial, political or family relationships that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest. They may be reassigned when necessary to protect the integrity of the reporting.
Journalists may not accept gifts, payments or favors intended to influence coverage. Complimentary admission or access may be accepted only when necessary to cover an event and when doing so does not compromise independence.
Advertising and sponsored content
Advertising, sponsored content, native advertising and paid partnerships will be clearly labeled so readers can distinguish them from independent journalism. Appropriate labels may include “Advertisement,” “Sponsored Content,” “Paid Content” or “Paid Partnership.”
The label will appear prominently at the top of the content and, when practical, in promotional posts, newsletters and social media. Paid content will not be presented with a standard newsroom byline or in a way that could reasonably cause readers to mistake it for independent reporting.
Payment does not guarantee favorable editorial coverage or prevent legitimate news coverage. Advertisers and sponsors may not review, approve or edit independent news stories before publication. Editorial coverage will not be promised as part of an advertising agreement.
Opinion columns, letters and commentary will also be clearly labeled and kept distinct from news reporting.
Elections and political coverage
We cover candidates and public issues fairly, accurately and independently. We apply consistent standards regardless of political party, ideology, advertising relationship or personal viewpoint.
Serious allegations involving candidates require careful verification, clear attribution, meaningful context and an opportunity to respond. The prominence of headlines, photographs and placement should be proportionate to the established facts.
Newsroom staff members should avoid political activity or public advocacy that could reasonably call their impartiality into question.
Photographs, audio, video and digital material
News photographs, audio and video may be edited for clarity, length and technical quality but not in ways that materially misrepresent events.
Standard photographic adjustments such as cropping, exposure, color balance, sharpness and noise reduction may be used to improve technical quality, provided they do not alter or misrepresent the people, events or circumstances depicted.
Artificial intelligence may be used for technical image enhancement, such as improving resolution or reducing digital noise, when the resulting image remains a truthful representation of the original scene. AI will not be used to add, remove or substantially alter people, objects or events in documentary news photographs.
Illustrations, reenactments, file images and altered or generated material will be clearly labeled when necessary to prevent confusion.
Material found online must be verified before use. We respect copyright and obtain permission or rely on a valid legal basis before publishing work created by others.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence may assist with tasks such as transcription, translation, research organization, grammar, summaries and headline suggestions. It does not replace original reporting, verification or human editorial judgment.
A journalist or editor remains responsible for every fact and piece of content we publish. AI-generated information must be independently checked. We do not use artificial intelligence to create or materially alter documentary news photographs or to fabricate quotations, people, events or evidence.
We will disclose significant use of artificial intelligence when it is material to how published journalism was created or understood.
Accountability
We welcome questions, criticism and information from our readers. Ethical decisions are made by considering accuracy, fairness, transparency, independence, public value and potential harm.
These standards apply to staff members, freelancers and contributors working on behalf of The Coast News.
Contact the Newsroom
Questions about our editorial standards, news coverage or corrections may be directed to:
The Coast News Editorial Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (760) 436-9737 x117