Last Updated: November 5, 2025
At The South Florida Standard, we know that rigorous, fair, and independent journalism strengthens our communities. Our credibility depends on the trust of our readers, and that trust can only be earned through accuracy, transparency, and integrity in everything we publish.
This page outlines the ethical and professional standards that guide our newsroom.
1. Editorial Independence
The South Florida Standard maintains full editorial independence.
Our reporting decisions are made by our editorial staff without influence from advertisers, donors, political groups, or outside interests.
We do not accept compensation, favors, or other benefits in exchange for coverage.
We disclose and recuse ourselves from coverage where personal or financial conflicts of interest exist.
Funding partners and sponsors have no involvement in story selection, reporting, editing, or publication.
2. Accuracy and Verification
Accuracy is the foundation of trust. Every story must be factually correct and verifiable.
Reporters and editors are responsible for ensuring that:
- All facts are checked against credible, original sources.
- Quotations are accurate and properly attributed.
- Statistical or technical information is verified with subject-matter experts.
- Anonymous sourcing is used only when the information is vital and cannot be obtained otherwise.
If errors occur, we correct them promptly and transparently.
3. Corrections and Clarifications
When we make a mistake, we own it.
Corrections are published as soon as the error is verified and clearly labeled as such, whether online or on social platforms.
We do not “scrub” errors from the record — we correct them publicly and explain what was changed.
4. Transparency
We believe our readers have a right to understand how we report, edit, and publish.
When appropriate, we will disclose:
- The sources and documents behind key reporting.
- Any material relationships or funding related to the subject of coverage.
- When and why anonymity is granted to a source.
We clearly label opinion, commentary, and sponsored content to distinguish them from news reporting.
5. Conflicts of Interest
Journalists at the South Florida Standard must avoid any situation that could compromise, or appear to compromise, their independence.
This includes:
- Financial interests in companies, organizations, or causes we cover.
- Political involvement, including donations or public campaigning.
- Accepting gifts, travel, or hospitality from sources or entities we report on.
Staff must disclose any potential conflicts to the Editor-in-Chief, who will determine whether recusal or disclosure is necessary.
6. Anonymous Sources
We prefer on-the-record sourcing.
Anonymous sources may be used only when:
- The information is vital to the public interest, and
- The source could face harm, retribution, or job loss if identified, and
- The information cannot be obtained elsewhere.
In such cases, editors must know the identity of the source, and the story must clearly explain the reason anonymity was granted.
7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Coverage
South Florida is one of the most diverse regions in the country. Our newsroom strives to reflect that in both staff composition and reporting.
We commit to:
- Seeking out underrepresented voices and communities.
- Avoiding stereotypes and biased framing.
- Using inclusive language that respects identity, culture, and lived experience.
8. Editorial Review and Fact-Checking
Every story published by the South Florida Standard undergoes editorial review before publication.
Editors verify:
- Source credibility
- Context and balance
- Compliance with legal and ethical guidelines
- Clarity and readability
Long-form investigations and sensitive stories are subject to additional fact-checking, legal review, and documentation verification.
9. Attribution and Use of Sources
We credit our sources clearly and consistently.
When using information first reported by another outlet, we attribute and link to the original source whenever possible.
We do not plagiarize, fabricate quotes, or present others’ work as our own.
We follow the principle that credit builds credibility.
10. Photographs, Video, and Multimedia
Visual journalism is held to the same ethical standards as written reporting.
We do not digitally alter photos, video, or audio in a way that misleads the audience.
Staged or simulated imagery is labeled clearly as such.
We obtain consent for identifiable private individuals featured in non-news settings.
11. Social Media Conduct
Journalists represent the South Florida Standard both on and off the clock.
On social media, staff must:
- Avoid expressing partisan opinions that could undermine credibility.
- Refrain from amplifying unverified claims or rumors.
- Maintain professionalism and civility in public discussions.
- Disclose conflicts of interest when engaging with topics they cover.
We encourage transparency and engagement — but always within the boundaries of accuracy and respect.
12. Sponsored and Branded Content
We may partner with advertisers or sponsors to support independent journalism, but all sponsored or paid content is clearly labeled as such.
Editorial and advertising departments operate separately.
Sponsorship never influences the substance, tone, or timing of our reporting.
13. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI tools may assist in transcription, summarization, or formatting, but all editorial decisions and final outputs are human-reviewed and human-approved.
We disclose when AI has been used in any material way in the production of an article, image, or headline.
We do not publish AI-generated news stories without human oversight, and we never use AI to impersonate real individuals or create deceptive media.
14. Reader Engagement and Community Standards
We encourage open dialogue with readers and respect constructive criticism.
Comments and messages are moderated to maintain civility and prevent harassment, hate speech, or misinformation.
We reserve the right to remove content that violates these standards.
15. Legal and Ethical Compliance
The South Florida Standard complies with all applicable laws and journalistic norms, including:
- Defamation and libel law
- Copyright and fair use standards
- Privacy and data protection regulations (including GDPR and CCPA)
- Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics
16. Corrections Policy (Detailed)
When a factual error is discovered:
- It is verified by an editor.
- The story is corrected promptly.
- A note is appended at the bottom of the article explaining the correction.
- Social media posts containing the error may be updated or retracted as needed.
We do not delete stories except in extraordinary legal or ethical circumstances, and such actions are publicly documented.
17. Editorial Structure
The South Florida Standard operates under a traditional newsroom hierarchy:
- Editor-in-Chief — Responsible for all editorial content and ethical oversight
- Managing Editor — Oversees daily news operations
- Section Editors — Supervise beats including Local News, Politics, Culture, and Business
- Reporters and Contributors — Produce original reporting adhering to these standards
Freelancers and guest contributors are held to the same policies as staff journalists.
18. Whistleblower and Source Protection
We are committed to protecting confidential sources and whistleblowers.
All communications related to sensitive or investigative material are handled with discretion and secured by encryption where appropriate.
No source will ever be revealed without explicit consent or court order.
19. Editorial Independence Statement
The South Florida Standard is an independent newsroom, supported by reader contributions, limited advertising, and grants.
We follow the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) standards for editorial independence and transparency.
20. Questions or Concerns
Readers with questions about our ethics, corrections, or editorial process can contact us.