Fact-Checking policy: StateCollege.com strives for 100% accuracy in our headlines and applies a rigorous vetting process to every news article on the site. Reporters must be precise with their words, headlines and URLs. They must understand that words have power and act responsibly. Reporters must also verify the information they gather. This includes identifying information such as names and positions, but also includes factual statements and accounts. Reporters conduct their own fact checking using their own judgment guided by the ethics policy. The StateCollege.com staff of writers and editors are industry veterans – and make sure every new article has the latest, most accurate information and details.
Ethics Policy: StateCollege.com is committed to the highest ethical standards. Fairness and accuracy are among our core values. But nothing stands above the need for a news organization to maintain and preserve its integrity. StateCollege.com writers and editors are expected to be as accurate as possible. Most stories have two sides, and we work to ensure our stories have balance and context. StateCollege.com strives to follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics:
- Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
- Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
- Recognise that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
- Recognise that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.
- Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
- Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
- Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
- Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.
Corrections: StateCollege.com will correct mistakes promptly. We believe that accuracy is essential; we ensure expediency in making corrections when needed.
Ownership & Funding: StateCollege.com is privately owned and funded.