These standards explain how Patriot Raw approaches reporting, analysis, opinion, corrections, images, sponsored material, and responsible use of technology.
Accuracy
Accuracy takes priority over speed. Factual claims should be supported by records, direct observation, attributable interviews, official statements, or other reliable evidence. Material uncertainty should be stated plainly. A story should not imply that an allegation has been proved when it has not.
Sourcing
Reporters and editors should identify sources whenever possible and link to primary documents, official records, transcripts, datasets, court filings, legislation, or full statements when those materials are available. Secondary reporting may be used when its origin is clear and the information can be responsibly attributed.
Quotation and Context
Direct quotations must reflect the source’s words accurately. Trimming a quotation must not change its meaning. Headlines, captions, social posts, and excerpts must not distort the underlying story or omit decisive context.
Anonymous Sources
Anonymous sourcing should be used only when the information serves a meaningful public interest, the source could face a credible risk from identification, and the information cannot reasonably be obtained on the record. The publication should describe why anonymity was granted and, when practical, independently corroborate the claim.
Headlines
Headlines should be strong, specific, and supported by the article. They must distinguish confirmed facts from allegations, analysis, predictions, and opinion. Clickbait that materially overstates the reporting is not acceptable.
Breaking and Developing News
Developing coverage should be labeled and updated as facts change. Early reports must identify what is confirmed, what is attributed, and what remains unknown. Significant updates should receive an updated timestamp and, when appropriate, an editor’s note explaining the change.
Corrections
Material errors are corrected openly under the Corrections Policy. Significant mistakes are not silently removed. Minor copy edits that do not change meaning may be made without a correction note.
Conflicts of Interest
Writers and editors should disclose personal, financial, political, or professional interests that could reasonably affect coverage. Contributors should not accept gifts, payments, or favors in exchange for editorial treatment.
News, Analysis, and Opinion Labels
News centers on verified facts. Analysis explains context or likely consequences while remaining evidence-based. Opinion advances a viewpoint. Developing identifies coverage that may change quickly. Labels should appear clearly on article pages and should not be used to disguise advocacy as reporting.
Political Commentary and Election Coverage
Political commentary may be forceful, but it should not fabricate facts or misrepresent the positions of candidates, parties, officials, or voters. Election results, polling, campaign finance, voting procedures, and claims of misconduct require careful sourcing. Patriot Raw should identify projections as projections and official results as official results.
AI-Assisted Work
AI tools may assist with research organization, transcription, outlining, editing, formatting, or production. They do not replace editorial responsibility. Factual claims, quotations, citations, image authenticity, legal risk, and publication decisions require human review. AI-generated material must not invent sources, events, credentials, images, or quotations.
Images, Video, and Attribution
Images and video should be authentic, relevant, and lawfully used. Captions should identify the subject and source when known. Material alterations must not mislead the reader. Illustrations, composites, reenactments, and AI-generated images should be labeled clearly. Photo credits and license restrictions must be respected.
Sponsored Content and Advertising
Paid or sponsored material must be plainly labeled and visually distinguishable from newsroom reporting. Advertisers and sponsors do not control editorial conclusions. Political advertising must follow applicable legal, platform, and disclosure requirements.
High-Risk Claims
Legal, medical, financial, tax, crime, public-safety, and national-security claims require heightened care. Allegations should be attributed, the status of proceedings should be clear, and people should not be described as guilty before an authoritative adjudication. Professional guidance should not be presented as individualized advice.
Accountability
Readers may question sourcing, request a correction, or raise an ethical concern through the Contact Us page.
Contact the Newsroom
Questions regarding our editorial standards, sourcing practices, or newsroom policies may be directed to patriotraw@gmail.com or through our Contact Us page.