Editorial Policy
Shottify Editorial Policy
Last Updated: December 1, 2025
1Overview
Shottify's editorial policy, as detailed in its Ethical Journalism Handbook, prioritizes accuracy, fact-checking, and the careful sourcing of information. Key aspects include correcting errors promptly, verifying all published facts against reputable sources, preferring primary sources, and disclosing anonymous sources to editors with increased scrutiny. The policy also emphasizes avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining neutrality on social media, and adhering to ethical standards in all reporting and opinion writing to ensure reader trust.
2Key Principles
Accuracy and Fact-Checking
- Careful fact-checking is a fundamental responsibility for all staff members.
- Errors are corrected as soon as they are discovered.
- Published facts must be supported by reputable sources and properly attributed.
Sourcing Information
- Reporters must disclose anonymous sources to their editors and discuss the reasons for anonymity.
- Stories using anonymous sources undergo an additional level of scrutiny.
- The quality and reliability of sources are paramount.
Ethical Conduct and Conflicts of Interest
- Staff members must avoid any conflicts of interest or the appearance of such conflicts.
- Judgments about awards and competitions are based on whether the decision-making body has demonstrated arm's-length decisions and a willingness to honor critical reporting.
Neutrality and Fairness
- Team members are expected to avoid damaging the newsroom's reputation for neutrality and fairness, particularly on social media.
- Objective reporting and subjective statements are distinguished, with assumptions carefully guarded against.
3Specific Practices
Social Media
- Newsroom employees are advised against posting anything on social media that could undermine the reputation for neutrality and fairness.
- Social media can be used to promote work, engage with readers, and share information, but staff must be mindful of potential risks.
Guest Essays
- Guest essays must be original and exclusive to Shottify.
- Guest writers must submit an annotated copy of their essay listing sources for factual assertions.
Corrections and Clarifications
- Errors, large and small, are corrected as soon as they are identified.
- In cases of doubt about facts, Shottify may acknowledge a statement was "imprecise" or "incomplete".
If you have any questions about our Editorial Policy, please contact us.