Policies & Standards

Ethics Policy

These guidelines are intended to govern The Ohio Tribune’s journalism as we produce news and information in an ever-changing media landscape. Because the conditions under which information is received and reported differ greatly from case to case, these principles should not be interpreted as creating definitive standards or as addressing every possible situation. We will constantly change and update in response to feedback from our journalists, readers, and our assessments of our changing requirements.

Conflict of Interest

The tribune is committed to avoiding conflict of interest or the perception of conflicts of interest whenever and wherever feasible. We have implemented severe regulations on these concerns, aware that they may be more rigid than is typical in the realm of private enterprise. More specifically:

• We avoid active participation in any political causes – politics, community affairs, social action, demonstrations — that might jeopardize or appear to jeopardize our capacity to report and edit properly.
• We do not accept honoraria or payments from governments, government-funded organizations, groupings of government officials, political organizations, or organizations that take sides on contentious matters. A reporter or editor is also not permitted to take remuneration from any person, firm, or organization that he or she covers. Furthermore, we should avoid receiving funds from people, businesses, trade groups, or organizations that lobby the government or otherwise attempt to influence matters covered by the media. Unless the reporter or editor is involved in covering them, broadcast organizations, educational institutions, social groups, and many professional organizations normally fall outside of this rule.

Taste

The Tribune values taste and decency while acknowledging that societal perceptions of taste and decency are continually shifting. A term that was derogatory to the previous generation may become part of the next generation’s common lexicon. But we’ll avoid being obnoxious. We will refrain from using profanities and obscenities unless their usage is so vital to a significant tale that its meaning is lost without them. No profanity may be used without the express permission of the executive or managing editors.

We strive for a quick, accurate, and comprehensive news report. We make every effort to respond quickly to inaccuracies in information produced on digital platforms and in print. When we print a correction, clarification, or editor’s note, our objective is to notify readers what was incorrect and what is correct as clearly as swiftly as possible. Any individual should be in a position to comprehend how and why an error was repaired.

Corrections policy

Corrections

If we are significantly altering an article, picture caption, headline, graphic, video, or other piece of content, we should issue a correction explaining the change as soon as possible.

Clarifications

When our reporting is factually true but the language used to convey those facts is not as clear or precise as it should be, the wording should be updated and a clarification added to the piece. A clarification can also be used to state that we did not i