Dallas Nomad Reporting Guidelines
Mission:
The Dallas Nomad is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to fostering informed and engaged citizens. As Dallas’s first homegrown digital newsroom, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, independent journalism while making critical-thinking, understanding complex issues, and (actually) knowing stuff cool again.
Core Values:
- Accuracy: We strive for factual accuracy in all our reporting.
- Fairness: We present all sides of an issue fairly and objectively.
- Independence: We are independent from corporate and political influence.
- Integrity: We adhere to the highest ethical standards of journalism.
- Public Service: We serve the public interest by providing essential information and holding those in power accountable.
Reporting Standards:
- Fact-Checking:
- All information must be verified from multiple credible sources.
- Use primary sources whenever possible.
- Double-check all facts, figures, and quotes.
- Be wary of information from anonymous sources.
- Attribution:
- Clearly attribute all information to its source.
- Use direct quotes sparingly and only when they add significant value.
- Paraphrase information when possible to maintain a clear and concise style.
- Objectivity:
- Avoid using loaded language or biased phrasing.
- Present both sides of an issue, even if you disagree with one side.
- Avoid making assumptions or drawing conclusions that are not supported by evidence.
- Sensitivity:
- Treat all subjects with respect and dignity.
- Be mindful of the impact of your reporting on individuals and communities.
- Avoid sensationalism and exploitation.
- Sources:
- Seek out a diverse range of sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
- Verify the credibility of sources, especially anonymous ones.
- Be transparent about the limitations of your sources.
- Deadlines:
- Meet deadlines without compromising quality.
- Prioritize stories that are timely and relevant.
- Be flexible and adaptable to changing news cycles.
- Style Guide:
- Adhere to the AP Stylebook for consistency in grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.
- Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand.
- Avoid jargon and technical terms.
- Ethics:
- Do not plagiarize or fabricate information.
- Avoid conflicts of interest.
- Respect the privacy of individuals.
- Protect confidential sources.
- Independence from Financial Influence:
- We will not accept payment or other inducements in exchange for favorable coverage.
- We will seek diverse funding sources to maintain our editorial independence.
- We will be transparent about our funding sources and any potential conflicts of interest.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that the Dallas Nomad continues to produce high-quality journalism that informs and empowers our community.