Iredell Free News is dedicated to providing the most trustworthy journalism available on a wide range of news topics. The policies behind our editorial process ensure that every article posted on this website is factually correct, unbiased, and transparent. Regardless of whether it is a current news story, a feature about your local community, or a national issue, you will be able to rely upon the quality of our work as we uphold the highest standards of journalism.
How We Maintain Editorial Integrity
We have a set of editorial standards that influence all aspects of our business. Those include everything from daily newscasts, in-depth local journalism and providing national perspective through journalism. To be held accountable to high journalistic standards, each article is thoroughly investigated, fact-checked and edited for accuracy and clarity.
The following are the guidelines we use when producing content.
Editorial Independence
Iredell Free News has absolute editorial freedom. The staff at Iredell Free News, including all journalists and editors, decide what is to be covered based on a combination of newsworthiness and readership interest alone. This means that they are completely free from any commercial influences.
We have relationships through which we receive money for advertising and/or revenue generated by affiliate links, as well as sometimes produce sponsored content; however none of those relationships will have an impact on how we decide to cover a subject (editorial decision), choose which stories to cover (story selection) or the actual content of the coverage (substance of the reporting).
Community-Focused Journalism
We are a journalist-driven organization that provides real-time analysis and context of national issues as they affect our local communities.
We strive to cover every story through direct sourcing, on-the-ground reporting, and by engaging directly with the people affected.
All pieces of evaluative and/or investigative journalism have been fact-checked thoroughly, independently researched, and professionally vetted for accuracy.
Transparent Commercial Relationships
Iredell Free News has several methods to generate income. We have display advertising on our website; we also use affiliate programs and sponsored content. If you are a reader who clicks a link and completes an action that qualifies for a reward, we could earn a payment. A full disclosure regarding this can be found in our Affiliate Disclosure statement.
Advertising and affiliate sponsors also do not have the ability to review, modify, approve or influence what we publish as editorial content. All sponsored content will include explicit labels identifying it as such and will remain completely independent from all editorial content. The presence of advertising on our site or participation by us in an affiliate program does not represent an endorsement of any product/service/organization.
Accuracy and Corrections
Our company’s commitment to accuracy is a cornerstone of our mission. The information we report comes from at least two independent and reputable sources; each source is credited appropriately and we clearly differentiate between fact and opinion.
If an error occurs in one of our articles, it will be corrected immediately with as much transparency as possible. In addition, if there are significant changes made to any of the information in an article, that correction will be included in the original story. We continuously update our content to keep up-to-date on current events (as they develop), local government action, and other changing aspects of the local community.
Clear Editorial Standards
Iredell Free News has a clear policy separating all forms of content:
- All news articles will be factually-based and report on verified information. There will be no opinion expressed in these articles.
- Articles that analyze and comment on issues will express the opinions based upon the expertise of Iredell Free News’ staff reporters.
- Articles written by others (letters to the editor) that present an opinion/point-of-view will be clearly labeled as such and the viewpoint may differ from that of Iredell Free News.
- Paid advertising or sponsored content, which is not part of the editorial process, will be clearly identified as such and separate from the editorial content.
Reader Feedback and Accountability
As a news outlet, we are always looking for ways to improve and welcome your comments regarding any inaccuracies or unfairness in how we report news. In addition, if you have a concern with how we have covered an issue or feel that one side was given more weight than another, please contact us. Your suggestions will help us improve our reporting and accountability to the public.
Focus on Reader Service
The purpose of The Iredell Free News is to support the people of Iredell County by providing them with timely, local and state news as well as information about current events around the nation which can impact their daily lives. We strive to report our stories in simple terms without using too much technical or complicated language.
While we may choose to focus on some subjects over others based on what has been of interest to our audience, we never intentionally choose to focus on subjects simply so they will be able to make money off advertising.
Our Commitment
The editorial philosophy of Iredell Free News is an expression of the firm belief in doing local journalism correctly. All articles and all reports that are published through Iredell Free News will reflect our commitment to truthfulness, objectivity, and correctness.
In a time when local news has become less common as it once was, we seek to be a source of credible information for the citizens of this area so they can remain well-informed, involved, and tied to their communities.