Corrections Policy
We do our best to report as accurately as possible. Unfortunately, mistakes happen. If you notice an error or want to report an inaccuracy, please email Editor@SvVoice.com.
All requests will be verified, and necessary corrections will be made promptly. We are committed to correcting errors fully, quickly and transparently. All corrections will be highlighted with an editor’s note.
Ethics Policy
The Weekly is dedicated to independent, fact-based reporting. Our journalistic standards are based on integrity. We expect our journalists to be trustworthy and unbiased.
Their reporting is not controlled by the subject or political beliefs. They are neutral reporters who verify their facts.
As an independent news organization, The Weekly maintains control over all reporting and editorial decisions, regardless of business affiliations.
Our journalists avoid conflicts of interest whenever possible; however, when they do occur, they disclose those conflicts transparently to our readers and colleagues.
Professional Activities and Standards
All journalists who work for The Weekly are expected to cover each topic with fairness, accuracy and independence. They are expected to examine opposing views from both sides.
In the field, reporters and photographers will identify themselves before interviewing news sources.
Journalists do not plagiarize. Material not written by the journalist will be attributed to the writer.
When errors are made, the editorial team will correct those errors promptly within the story in which the error occurred.
Financial Conflicts
Journalists will not report on businesses where their immediate family members knowingly have a financial interest.
Journalists cannot write a story for the purpose of influencing a company’s stock price. Any potential conflict of interest will be noted either in the body of the story or in italics at the bottom of the story.
Sources
The Weekly does not pay sources for information or interviews.
The Weekly does not pay subjects for photos or videos, though it may, in extreme circumstances, compensate them for their work.
The Weekly will pay fees for public records.
The Weekly strives to avoid anonymous sources, but our editorial team understands that there are some sources, i.e., whistleblowers, victims of crimes, etc., who might have a greater need for anonymity.
When journalists use an unnamed source, they will use as much detail as possible to indicate the source’s credibility and the reason why the source required anonymity. Any use of a source requires the approval of an editor.
Reporting Accuracy
Accuracy in reporting is essential to The Weekly and its goal of delivering trustworthy, unbiased information to readers.
Quotations and Attributions
Quotes in articles will be the exact words someone spoke, with minor exceptions for grammar and syntax. When ellipses are used, journalists will take care to ensure that they do not change the meaning of the quote.
If the quote is received via email, press release or in a news conference, the journalist will attribute the response to that form of correspondence. Similarly, if the quote is received through a translator.
Photos and Videos
Photos and videos are treated just like our articles. They tell a story. Photos can be cropped and adjusted, but they will not be altered to tell a different story.
Videos will be edited to present stories in a linear order. Just as quotes in articles are presented as the exact spoken words, quotes in videos will be held to the same high standards.
Bylines and Credit Lines
The byline is the reporter who wrote or contributed the largest portion of the article.
If information from a press release or wire service is included in the article, that will be noted in the byline or credited in a tagline. If another journalist contributed information to the article, we will attribute it in the tagline.
Gifts and Gratuities
The Weekly’s gifts and gratuities policies do not cover every circumstance our journalists might face. However, these policies try to address some of the most common conflicts the journalists might face. Any other questions should be addressed by their department managers.
Employees having meals with a source will always pay for their own meals.
Tickets to Events
Staff members may receive free admission to plays, concerts, performances or sporting events for the purposes of reviewing or covering them for the publication.
Gifts or Free Services
Employees may not accept or solicit gifts or free services. Any item valued at $25 or greater must be returned or donated to charity.
Gifts will never be accepted in return for an editorial favor.
Gift certificates and discounts from local businesses will not be accepted.
Journalists will not accept other preferential treatment, including priority seating or service, free samples, or products.
News Releases & Publicity Items
Any items received for the purposes of having them reviewed, such as books, food products, etc. may never be sold for personal profit.
Online and Outside Activities
We expect employees to use good judgment when posting on social media, no matter what.
The Weekly strongly believes in protecting the First Amendment but also understands that online personas reflect the journalist. Therefore, employees may post opinions about topics distinctly outside of their job duties.
When posting about issues they may also report on, staff members should avoid expressing viewpoints that could cast doubt on their impartiality as journalists. This could, in turn, cast doubt on The Weekly’s credibility as a news organization. The Weekly journalists should follow the same news-gathering rules on social media as they do in news reporting, ensuring our messaging is fair and balanced.
Any questions or concerns should be discussed with an employee’s direct supervisor.