Trust and accountability
Editorial Standards
These principles guide how The Ocmulgee Free Press gathers evidence, evaluates claims, treats sources, labels commentary, and corrects the record.
Our commitment
Original reporting supported by evidence
Public-interest journalism earns trust through work that readers can inspect. We will continue publishing original reporting supported by public records and other verifiable evidence, while clearly explaining what is known, what is disputed, and what remains uncertain.
Accuracy and verification
Material facts should be supported by records, direct observation, on-the-record interviews, or clearly identified reliable sources. Names, dates, quotations, figures, and links are checked before publication.
Primary sources
Original documents, official data, court records, meeting materials, and public-records responses are preferred whenever they are available. Relevant source material is linked in the article or published in the Open Records Library when practical and lawful.
Attribution and links
Facts first reported by another outlet are credited. Direct links should point to the original document, study, official report, or reporting that supports the claim. Sources sections distinguish primary records from secondary news reports.
Fairness and response
People and institutions facing significant criticism should receive a meaningful opportunity to respond when circumstances allow. Their relevant response is presented accurately, without surrendering the newsroom's independent judgment.
News, analysis, and opinion
Straight reporting, analysis, and editorial commentary should be labeled so readers can understand the nature of the work. Analysis and opinion must still rest on accurate facts and honestly represented sources.
Source protection and privacy
The newsroom weighs public importance against foreseeable harm. Confidentiality is not promised casually. Identifying details may be withheld when disclosure would expose a source or vulnerable person to unnecessary risk.
Conflicts and independence
Coverage decisions should not be controlled by the agencies, officials, companies, or advocacy organizations being covered. Material conflicts that could reasonably affect a reader's understanding should be disclosed.
Corrections and updates
Substantive errors are corrected promptly and transparently. Material updates are dated or explained when they change a reader's understanding of the original report.
Accountability
See something that does not meet these standards?
Contact the newsroom at admin@ocmulgeefreepress.com. Accuracy concerns are handled under the Corrections Policy.