Accuracy before speed
Getting it right outranks getting it first. No deadline justifies skipping a verification step.
Credit where it is due
Facts, figures and quotes taken from another outlet's original reporting are attributed to that outlet and linked where possible. Other people's exclusives are never presented as our own work.
A fair hearing
Anyone facing a significant negative allegation in our coverage is asked for a response before publication whenever practical. The response, when given, is represented fully and fairly, not trimmed to fit a narrative.
No fabrication
We do not invent quotes, sources, statistics or events. This rule admits no exceptions under the States Herald name.
Independence from money
Coverage is not for sale. Advertisers and sponsors do not shape editorial decisions, and paid material is always labelled as paid. See Advertising.
Care with sensitive material
Crime, tragedy and stories involving vulnerable people, including minors, get an extra test: does each identifying detail serve the public interest, or only curiosity? Details that fail the test stay out.
Context matters
Coverage is produced with awareness of the communities it describes and the moment it lands in. We do not publish unfounded rumor or unsupported claims that damage reputations.
Conflicts of interest
Editors disclose personal, financial or organizational ties to the stories they touch and step away from coverage where a conflict cannot be managed properly.
Accountability
Anyone may challenge anything we publish. The route runs through the Corrections Policy and Contact, and it ends at an editor's desk, not an autoresponder.