Editorial Guidelines & Standards

Our Journalistic Mission

We report on current events and timely information from a conservative perspective, always prioritizing truth and accuracy. Our multi-person editorial team ensures every article is thoroughly vetted before publication.

Content Standards

News Reporting

• All articles must report on current events or timely information
• Every article includes publication date and timestamp
• Updates to articles are clearly marked with revision timestamps
• Breaking news is verified by at least two sources before publication

Source Requirements

• All factual claims must cite credible, fact-based sources
• Sources are linked directly in the article text or listed at the end
• Anonymous sources are used only when necessary and verified by editors
• We do not cite known publishers of misinformation or hoaxes
• Satire or parody content is never presented as factual news

Original Content

• The majority of our content is originally reported by our staff
• Aggregated content is clearly labeled and comprises less than 20% of our output
• User-generated content is not accepted for news articles
• All content reflects the judgment of our multi-person editorial staff

Fact-Checking Process

1. Initial Verification: Writers verify all facts and sources during reporting
2. Editorial Review: Section editors check claims against reliable sources
3. Cross-Check: Second editor reviews for accuracy
4. Final Approval: Senior editors approve all content before publication

Corrections Policy

When errors occur, we correct them promptly and transparently:

• Minor errors (spelling, grammar) are corrected without notice
• Factual errors receive a correction notice at the article’s end
• Major errors may require an editor’s note or separate correction article
• All corrections include timestamps
• Readers can report errors at: team@thescoop.us

Advertising & Sponsored Content

Clear Labeling

• All advertising is clearly marked as “Advertisement” or “Sponsored”
• Sponsored content includes prominent disclosure at the beginning
• Native advertising is labeled as “Paid Content” or “Partner Content”
• Affiliate links are disclosed within the article

Content Ratio

• News content always exceeds advertising content
• Homepage maintains at least 70% news content
• Individual pages contain no more than 30% advertising

Author Attribution

• All news articles include author bylines with first and last names
• Example: “By Steeve Strange” or “By Cameron Schnittger”
• Guest contributors are clearly identified
• Editorial board pieces are labeled as such

Categories of Content

Ethics & Conflicts of Interest

• Staff must disclose any conflicts of interest to editors
• Financial interests in covered topics are disclosed
• Political activities of staff are disclosed when relevant
• Gifts or compensation from sources are prohibited

Social Media Guidelines

• Staff social media accounts maintain professional standards
• Personal opinions on social media include disclaimers
• Breaking news is verified before social media posting
• Social media content adheres to platform community standards

Legal Compliance

• All content complies with applicable laws and regulations
• Copyright and intellectual property rights are respected
• Defamation and libel laws guide our reporting
• Privacy rights of individuals are considered