US News and Business, USNB, was founded in 2016.

A small fish in a large pond, USNB aims to share information by using reliable sources and varied viewpoints, telling more than one side of the story.

Our journalists adhere to the ethics guidelines of the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Press Photographers Association.

Additionally, employees of USNB follow and borrow from guidelines created by a plethora of sources, those who have literally and figuratively written the books on journalism and ethics, including the Associated Press, ProPublica, The Center for Investigative Reporting, NPR, and the Washington Post.

While these policies apply to our reporters, editors, administrators, and freelancers; our foundation is built on varied viewpoints and painting a complete picture. With that in mind, we seek out and accept contributions from a litany of sources and experts, many of whom – will have some tie or bond that would reflect a conflict of interest. We understand and appreciate those issues, but we ask contributors to speak for themselves or to audiences.

Accuracy and Attribution

Our reporting across all platforms will uphold truth, transparency, and respect, ensuring facts are accurate, complete, and fairly presented. Our analyses reflect independent judgment rather than personal or external preferences. We adhere to a no-hidden-agenda policy.

Mistakes, when made, will be promptly corrected within the affected story, along with a note highlighting the rectification. Corrections will also extend to our social media. Readers spotting errors are encouraged to email info@usnewsandbusiness.com.

Re-publishing content from external sources without proper permission and credit is prohibited. Acts like fabrication, plagiarism, or intellectual property misappropriation will result in immediate termination.

Information borrowed from other sources will be credited and linked within the story or associated visual journalism. At times, a link alone may suffice.

Technical enhancements are allowed for photos and videos, but altering the core substance is forbidden. All visual modifications will be distinctly labeled. More details are provided under digital media integrity.

Sourcing

Identifying survivors of sexual or domestic violence will require their consent. We aim for on-the-record information with clear source attribution, with exceptions requiring editor approval and being restricted to critical information unattainable otherwise. Sources’ reliability and potential biases will be assessed and disclosed. Anonymity terms will be clarified with sources prior to interviews, ensuring mutual understanding of terms like “on the record,” “off the record,” “not for attribution,” or “on background.”

“On the record”: To be quoted and attributed to the named source.

“On background”: The source cannot be named, but the information can be used for further reporting.

“Not for attribution”: The information can be used, but the source can’t be named. Reporters should negotiate to use the best attribution possible and agree on the terminology that will be used in the story to explain how the information is known. For instance, “a source close to the governor” or “involved in the negotiations” is preferable to “a legislative source.”

“Off the record”: The information cannot be used for publication.

Misrepresentation to secure interviews or stories is unacceptable. All sources will be informed about recording proceedings. Undercover tactics, hidden cameras, or paid interviews are not employed.

Efforts will be made to reach primary subjects or organizations in our stories, with a fair chance given for responses before publishing. Unreachable entities will be disclosed within the story.

Impartiality and Conflicts of Interest

Editorial decisions rest solely with journalists, uninfluenced by external contributions. Contributors to USNB understand that their support does not guarantee any preferential treatment or immunity from journalistic scrutiny. Anonymous donations are not accepted.

Journalists will avoid covering topics where they have a personal or financial stake, steering clear of investments in regularly covered sectors. Conflict of interest, actual or perceived, must be reported to the editor.

Prohibitions for journalists include political campaign involvement, inducing legal or policy violations, or acting against related IRS regulations.

Journalists may engage in panel discussions or event speaking, given their role remains journalistic, with no sponsor influence over the content. Event participation outside USNB requires editor’s approval.

Gift acceptance from potential coverage subjects is prohibited, and travel expenses for editorial or business purposes are self-covered. Minor gratuities from community engagements can be accepted if valued below $20, though refusal is preferred, referencing our ethics policy. Meal payments at speaking events are encouraged when possible.

All news personnel, including freelancers, contractors, and interns, will abstain from partisan political activities, extending to digital communications. This policy doesn’t deter voting nor extends to family members, though editors should be notified of potential conflicts arising from household members’ political or business engagements.