EDITORIAL POLICY

2. Accuracy and Verification

We make reasonable efforts to verify factual claims before publication using reliable sources, relevant documents, direct observation, and on-the-record statements where appropriate. We check names, dates, figures, quotations, and context. When information cannot be independently verified, we aim to explain that limitation clearly rather than present uncertain information as established fact.

3. Sources and Attribution

We identify sources where appropriate and provide links, citations, or attribution when useful to readers. Anonymous sources may be used only when the information is important, the source has a credible basis for knowing it, and there is a reasonable justification for withholding the source’s identity. Editors should assess possible conflicts, motives, and risks before relying on anonymous information.

4. Fairness and Right of Reply

We aim to represent relevant perspectives fairly and in context. When an article contains significant allegations about an identifiable person or organization, we will make reasonable efforts to seek a response before publication, where practicable. If a response is not received by the editorial deadline, the article may state that a request was made and whether a response had been received at publication time.

5. Editorial Independence and Conflicts of Interest

Editorial decisions should be based on newsworthiness, evidence, relevance, and public interest—not on payment, personal relationships, political pressure, or commercial influence. Staff and contributors should disclose material conflicts of interest to an editor. Advertisers, sponsors, clients, and business partners must not be promised editorial coverage or favorable treatment in exchange for payment unless the material is clearly identified as advertising, sponsored content, or another paid placement.

6. News, Opinion, Sponsored Content, and Corrections

We aim to label content clearly so readers can distinguish reporting from opinion, analysis, reviews, press releases, sponsored material, and advertising. Sponsored or paid content should be identified in a prominent and understandable way. Press releases and submissions may be edited, checked, rejected, or independently reported before publication; publication does not necessarily mean that Times Chicago LLC endorses every claim made by the source.

7. Headlines, Images, and Multimedia

Headlines, captions, photographs, graphics, and videos should fairly represent the content and must not knowingly mislead readers. Images should not be manipulated in a way that materially distorts the facts. Illustrative, file, archive, or AI-generated images should be labelled where necessary to avoid misleading readers. We seek to respect copyright, licensing terms, privacy, and the dignity of people depicted.

8. Privacy, Children, and Sensitive Reporting

We consider privacy, public interest, potential harm, and the circumstances of each case when reporting on private individuals and sensitive matters. Particular care should be taken when reporting on children, victims of abuse, health matters, grief, or other vulnerable circumstances. We avoid publishing unnecessary identifying details that could expose a person to foreseeable harm, subject to legitimate public-interest considerations and applicable law.

9. Allegations, Defamation, and Presumption of Innocence

Allegations should be clearly attributed and not presented as proven facts unless they have been established by reliable evidence or an appropriate legal finding. Reporting about criminal investigations or proceedings should accurately describe the status of the matter and respect applicable legal restrictions. Editors should review serious allegations carefully and seek legal guidance when appropriate.

10. Artificial Intelligence and Editorial Tools

Digital tools, including AI-assisted tools, may be used to support tasks such as transcription, translation, research organization, or editing, subject to editorial oversight. They must not replace verification or editorial responsibility. Staff should not publish AI-generated factual claims, quotations, images, or references without appropriate checks. Confidential, personal, or sensitive information should not be entered into external tools unless authorized and appropriate safeguards are in place.

11. User-Generated Content and Moderation

Comments, tips, submitted articles, images, and other user material may be reviewed before or after publication. We may edit for clarity, reject, remove, or restrict material that is unlawful, abusive, discriminatory, threatening, deceptive, spam, infringing, or otherwise inconsistent with our standards. User submissions are not automatically endorsed by Times Chicago LLC.

12. Errors, Corrections, and Updates

We seek to correct material factual errors promptly and transparently. Readers who identify a possible error can contact us with the article URL, the disputed statement, and reliable supporting information. Where a correction is warranted, we may amend the article and add a correction note or update notice when appropriate. Significant changes should not be made in a way that conceals a material error.

13. Complaints and Editorial Review

Readers may raise concerns about accuracy, fairness, sourcing, conflicts of interest, or compliance with this policy by emailing worldnews@timeschicago.com. Please include the article URL, a clear description of the concern, and any supporting documentation. We will review complaints as reasonably practicable, though we cannot guarantee a particular outcome or response time.

14. Copyright and Reuse

We seek to use text, photographs, graphics, video, and other third-party materials only where we have permission, a suitable licence, or another lawful basis. Attribution alone does not necessarily authorize reuse. We expect contributors to submit material they have the right to provide and to disclose relevant restrictions or third-party rights.

15. Policy Review

This policy may be revised as our editorial practices and applicable requirements evolve. The latest version will be published on our Website with an updated revision date.

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