Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: October 13, 2024

Editorial Guidelines for n2how.com

Mission Statement

At n2how.com, our mission is to uncover, investigate, and report critical stories with depth, accuracy, and objectivity. We strive to hold institutions accountable, educate the public, and provide insights that empower our readers to understand complex issues. The views expressed on this website represent the opinions of its authors and are not influenced by any external parties. Editorial content cannot be purchased or sold.

Core Values

  1. Independence: We maintain strict independence from advertisers, sponsors, or other entities. No content will be influenced or altered to serve commercial interests.
  2. Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in all aspects of reporting, ensuring all information is gathered responsibly and presented truthfully.
  3. Depth and Diligence: Our content prioritizes thorough research, deep analysis, and investigative rigor. We are committed to uncovering the truth in all matters we report.
  4. Accountability: We recognize our responsibility to our readers and strive to hold all individuals, organizations, and ourselves accountable through fair and ethical journalism.

Editorial Process

  1. Story Selection and Approval
    • Criteria: Stories should align with n2how.com’s mission, provide value to our readers, and address topics with the potential for significant social, political, or cultural impact.
    • Approval Process: Potential stories are evaluated and approved by an Editorial Board, considering relevance, potential impact, and available resources.
  2. Research and Investigation
    • Thorough Documentation: Every claim must be backed by reliable sources, preferably primary whenever possible. All records, data, and documents should be meticulously documented, with sources securely stored and accessible only to relevant team members.
    • Corroboration: Facts must be corroborated by at least two independent sources wherever possible. This helps to ensure accuracy and prevents reliance on single, potentially biased sources.
    • Data Integrity: All data used should be verified for authenticity and accuracy, maintaining a clear distinction between factual data and opinionated interpretation.
  3. Source Management
    • Anonymity and Protection: Protecting sources, particularly whistleblowers or those facing risk, is critical. All anonymous sources should be vetted carefully, and their information should be verified through multiple channels.
    • Transparency: Where possible, sources should be attributed openly. However, if anonymity is requested or essential for their protection, only senior editorial staff will have knowledge of their identities.
    • Credibility: Reporters must assess sources for reliability, possible conflicts of interest, and motivation. This evaluation should be documented as part of the story’s source notes.
  4. Writing and Editing
    • Clarity and Objectivity: Articles must avoid sensationalism. All information should be presented clearly, with opinions and analyses separated from factual reporting.
    • Language and Tone: Writing should maintain a neutral, professional tone, focusing on facts rather than persuasion or emotional appeal.
    • Verification: An editor will review every piece for factual accuracy, grammar, clarity, and adherence to journalistic ethics. A final fact-checking review will be conducted before publication.
  5. Review and Approval Process
    • Initial Editorial Review: Editors conduct an initial review for structure, flow, and clarity, followed by fact-checking.
    • Legal Review: All content that could involve legal risks, such as investigative reports involving institutions or prominent individuals, will undergo legal vetting to avoid defamation, invasion of privacy, or other legal issues.
    • Final Approval: The Editorial Board must approve any investigative piece, ensuring it aligns with our mission, values, and standards.
  6. Corrections Policy
    • Commitment to Accuracy: If errors are discovered, corrections must be issued promptly and transparently. Corrections will be noted at the end of the article, detailing the error and the corrected information.
    • Transparent Amendments: If a significant change in context or meaning is made post-publication, an editorial note will be added to clarify the update and its rationale.

Ethics and Conduct

  1. Conflicts of Interest: All journalists and contributors must disclose potential conflicts of interest. Editorial staff must avoid coverage where conflicts may arise and will abstain from any decision-making processes involving such matters.
  2. Independence from Sponsors and Advertisers: Editorial content cannot be influenced by sponsors or advertisers. Any sponsored content or partnerships will be clearly marked as such and will not involve investigative or opinion pieces.
  3. Transparency in Financial Disclosures: Journalists should avoid financial relationships that could appear to influence their reporting, such as investments in companies they cover.
  4. Respect and Compassion for Subjects: Journalists should approach sensitive topics, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals or groups, with empathy and respect.
  5. Diversity and Inclusion: We aim to amplify diverse perspectives and avoid unintentional biases in reporting. Editorial teams should ensure that voices from varied backgrounds are represented, especially on issues that impact marginalized communities.

Content Types and Standards

  1. Investigative Features: In-depth, data-driven reports focused on uncovering unknown facts and providing comprehensive insights into complex issues.
  2. Analysis and Opinion: Clearly labeled opinion pieces providing expert insights or viewpoints on relevant issues. Analyses must be grounded in fact and include the writer’s credentials or basis for expertise.
  3. Explanatory Journalism: Articles aimed at clarifying intricate issues for readers, breaking down technical topics into accessible language while maintaining accuracy.
  4. Editorial Board Statements: The official stance of n2how.com on pertinent issues, reflecting the collective voice of the editorial team rather than individual authors.

Conclusion

n2how.com is committed to a rigorous, fair, and ethical journalism process. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that our reporting remains credible, our readers are informed, and our integrity as a publication is maintained.