Atlantic Civic Ledger

Editorial standards

Evidence, fair context and accountable corrections guide our reporting.

Evidence before a headline

Support factual claims with identifiable source material. Name the agency, record dates and limitations. Do not invent interviews, quotations, bylines or findings.

Fair context

An unresolved case is not proof of wrongdoing, a property’s current condition or a person’s financial circumstances. Reporting about identifiable people or properties needs additional context, a current-status check and a reasonable opportunity to respond when appropriate.

Data review

Check totals, duplicates, locations, dates, missing fields and confidentiality restrictions before publishing an extract. Records that remain uncertain stay in review.

Corrections and updates

Date material corrections and explain the change. Keep an earlier snapshot distinguishable from a later update.

Accurate representation

Use accurate requester details and statements of purpose, eligibility and affiliation. Do not portray generated text as an interview or an independent observation. Disclose material conflicts relevant to a story.