Editorial Standards & Publication Practices
Purpose
NCW Heritage Council LLC exists to educate the public through truthful reporting, historical education, biblical commentary, public engagement, and community journalism. These standards apply to all articles, interviews, editorials, photographs, videos, podcasts, newsletters, social media posts, and other published content.
Article I – Commitment to Truth
The Company strives to publish truthful and accurate information. Accuracy takes precedence over speed. Information that cannot reasonably be verified should not be presented as established fact. When uncertainty exists, the publication should explain the uncertainty.
Article II – Sources
Whenever reasonably possible, primary sources should be preferred. Official documents, public records, direct quotations, and significant factual claims should be verified. Anonymous sources should be used sparingly and corroborated whenever practical.
Article III – Fairness
When practical, identifiable individuals or organizations who are the subject of significant factual allegations should be given a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication. If no response is received, the article may state that comment was requested.
Article IV – News and Opinion
News reporting should distinguish verified facts from analysis. Opinion pieces may express viewpoints, but factual assertions should be supported by reliable information.
Article V – Corrections
Material factual errors should be corrected promptly. Material corrections should identify the change and date. Minor typographical corrections do not require a formal correction notice.
Article VI – Interviews
Interviews should be accurately represented. When practical, interviews should be recorded or documented through contemporaneous notes. Direct quotations should not be materially altered.
Article VII – Public Records
The Company may rely upon lawfully obtained public records, official reports, public meetings, court records, and recorded statements. Such materials should be accurately represented and placed in context.
Article VIII – Photography and Video
Photographs and videos should accurately represent the events depicted. Images should not be materially altered in a manner that changes factual meaning.
Article IX – Artificial Intelligence
AI may assist with research, editing, formatting, brainstorming, and graphic design. Human review is required before publication. The Company remains responsible for factual accuracy.
Article X – Respect for Persons
The Company may strongly criticize ideas, actions, and public conduct, but should avoid knowingly false statements and intentional misrepresentation.
Article XI – Record Preservation
When practical, retain interview notes, recordings, photographs, research materials, and supporting documents. If litigation is reasonably anticipated, relevant records should be preserved.
Article XII – Editorial Independence
Editorial decisions shall not be controlled by advertisers, sponsors, donors, political organizations, or other outside interests.
Article XIII – Legal Review
The Company may seek legal review before publishing material that presents significant legal risk or raises complex legal questions.
Article XIV – Accountability
Every publication reflects upon NCW Heritage Council LLC. Contributors are expected to follow these standards.
Closing Statement
NCW Heritage Council LLC is committed to publishing with integrity, correcting material errors when discovered, and serving the community through truthful journalism and thoughtful public engagement.
NCW Heritage Council LLC
Website Standards Package
(Working Draft)
Editorial Standards
Our mission is to educate the public through truthful reporting, historical education, and thoughtful commentary. We strive for accuracy before speed, distinguish news from opinion, verify information whenever reasonably possible, fairly represent people and organizations, and correct material factual errors promptly.
Corrections Policy
If you believe we have published a material factual error, please contact us. We review credible correction requests promptly. Material errors will be corrected transparently. Minor spelling or formatting corrections may be made without a formal notice.
News vs. Opinion
News articles report verified facts. Analysis explains context. Opinion pieces express viewpoints and are clearly labeled. Factual assertions in all content should be supported by reliable information.
Source Standards
We prefer primary sources, official documents, public records, firsthand interviews, and direct observation whenever reasonably possible. Anonymous sources should be used sparingly and corroborated where practical. Rumors are not presented as established facts.
Editorial Independence
Editorial decisions are made independently. Donors, advertisers, sponsors, churches, organizations, or political groups do not purchase favorable coverage or determine editorial conclusions.
Artificial Intelligence Policy
AI may assist with research, grammar, formatting, brainstorming, and design. Human editors review published content and remain responsible for factual accuracy.
Photography & Video Standards
Photographs and videos should accurately represent events. Images should not be materially altered in a way that changes factual meaning. Illustrative or AI-generated images should be identified when appropriate.
Ethics Statement
We value truth over speed, evidence over rumor, fairness over assumption, integrity over popularity, and prompt correction of material factual errors.
How We Report
Our process generally includes researching the topic, reviewing documents, interviewing relevant people when practical, verifying facts, editing for accuracy, publishing, and correcting material factual errors if later discovered.
Contact the Editor
Readers are encouraged to submit correction requests, supporting documents, story ideas, or responses to our coverage.
Public vs. Internal Policies
These pages are intended for publication on the website. Internal legal response procedures, litigation hold procedures, and detailed editorial workflows are maintained separately.