News Gathering and Journalism

Informing the community and providing locally sourced journalism that is fact-based, accurate and unbiased is a mission-critical function of Holyoke Media.

When producing news, we will adhere to the highest ethical standards as stated in the Society for Professional Journalists ethics code. We will:

• Seek and report the truth – We will pursue and report on the facts and strive for accuracy by checking information with multiple sources and clearly indicating when we were unable to corroborate information.
• Treat sources and subjects with dignity and respect – We will do no harm, and will be aware of the impact of our reporting on individuals and the lives of others.
• Act independently, and free from influence – We will be independent voices and will not act on the behalf of corporate, political, cultural or fiscal interest, and will avoid conflicts of interest where possible, whether real or perceived. When existing affiliations that create the appearance of or constitute a conflict of interest are unavoidable, we will clearly announce the relationship to the audience.
• Be fair and impartial – We will present stories in an objective manner, actively soliciting and presenting differing points of view on issues, and will support the open and civil exchange of ideas.
• Be accountable and transparent – We will actively solicit and listen to the concerns of our audiences. When we make errors, we will correct them and publicly take ownership of our mistakes. We will provide access to source material when it is relevant and appropriate.
• Be vigilant and courageous – “We will hold those in positions of power accountable and give voice to the voiceless.” (SPJ)

Editorial content will be clearly identified, so that anyone viewing the content will reasonably understand they are viewing someone’s opinion and not the presentation of fact.

We facilitate Community Journalists submitting news content. Any community-sourced news will adhere to the same ethical standards. If the content does not abide by these standards, or if we are unable to independently corroborate the impartiality of the piece, the content will be clearly and unmistakably identified as coming from an individual producer and not reflecting the views of Holyoke Media.

If you have concerns regarding the ethics or impartiality of our news content, please direct them to the attention of the Holyoke Media Executive Director and Board of Directors, or anybody they authorize to provide this oversight, through the Executive Director. Should any content merit correction or retraction (as deemed by the overseeing body), it will be done publicly and promptly, through any medium used and as is reasonably possible. A log of any corrections or retractions will be maintained on Holyoke Media’s website.