Editorial Standards
How we report, edit, and publish.
Our standards are the foundation of reader trust. They govern every story we produce — from a breaking news alert to a year-long investigation.
Atlanta Daily holds itself to the standards of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics and the guidelines of the Associated Press. The following policies apply to all editorial staff, freelance contributors, and anyone producing content under the Atlanta Daily name.
Accuracy & Verification
- Every factual claim must be verified by at least one primary source before publication. For significant claims, we seek a second independent source.
- We do not publish information we cannot verify, even if competitors have already reported it.
- Quotes are published verbatim. We do not alter the words of sources except to remove verbal filler ("um", "uh") when doing so does not change meaning, and only with disclosure.
- Data and statistics must be traced to their original source. We do not rely solely on secondary reporting of data.
Independence & Conflicts of Interest
- Editorial decisions are made independently of advertising, business, and ownership interests. Advertisers have no influence over news coverage.
- Staff journalists may not accept gifts, travel, or other benefits from sources, subjects of coverage, or organizations they cover.
- Journalists must disclose personal relationships, financial interests, or prior affiliations that could create a conflict of interest with their assigned coverage.
- Sponsored content and advertising are clearly labeled and visually distinct from editorial content at all times.
Fairness & Due Process
- Subjects of critical reporting are given a meaningful opportunity to respond before publication — not a perfunctory email sent minutes before deadline.
- We represent all sides of a story fairly. We do not editorialize in news coverage. Opinion and analysis are clearly labeled as such.
- We do not publish unverified allegations as fact. Allegations are attributed and contextualized.
- We are especially careful when covering vulnerable populations, including minors, crime victims, and people in crisis.
Sources & Anonymity
- We prefer named sources. Anonymous sourcing is used only when the information is significant, cannot be obtained on the record, and the source's identity is known to the editor.
- We do not grant anonymity to sources who are attacking others by name.
- We protect the identity of confidential sources. We do not reveal source identities without their consent, even under pressure.
- We are transparent with readers about why anonymity was granted, without revealing identifying details.
Digital & Social Media
- Staff journalists' personal social media activity reflects on Atlanta Daily. Journalists should not post content that would undermine public confidence in their impartiality.
- We do not publish breaking news on social media before it has been verified and cleared by an editor.
- User-generated content is verified before publication. We do not republish unverified social media posts as news.
- We do not alter published stories without disclosure. Significant changes to published stories are noted with an editor's note and timestamp.
Questions about our standards?
Reach our standards editor at standards@atlantadaily.com. We take all inquiries seriously and respond within three business days.
standards@atlantadaily.com