Foothills Digest Editorial Policy

Introduction: At Foothills Digest, we are committed to producing high-quality, reliable, and ethical journalism that celebrates and examines the nature, culture, art, and communities of Western North Carolina. Our editorial policy serves as the foundation for our work, ensuring that all content is accurate, fair, and balanced. We recognize the importance of maintaining the trust of our readers and the communities we serve, and we take our responsibility to provide credible and thoughtful content seriously.

1. Accuracy:

Ensuring accuracy in every piece of content we publish is a top priority at Foothills Digest. We are dedicated to the following standards of accuracy:

  • Fact-Checking: All factual information is thoroughly researched and verified by multiple credible sources before publication. This includes data, dates, names, and historical details.
  • Source Reliability: We prioritize the use of primary sources, expert interviews, and established research to substantiate the information presented in our articles. Secondary sources must be credible, transparent, and well-regarded in their field.
  • Corrections: If an error is identified in our published content, we will issue a prompt correction or clarification. A transparent correction process is in place to address any inaccuracies brought to our attention.

2. Fairness:

We are committed to fairness in our reporting, ensuring that all perspectives and voices are given due consideration. To uphold fairness:

  • Impartiality: We strive to present all sides of a story, particularly in cases involving sensitive or controversial topics. We avoid bias and refrain from promoting one viewpoint over another without presenting opposing perspectives. 

3. Balance:

In addition to fairness, we ensure that our content is balanced, presenting issues with depth and nuance.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Whenever possible, we provide context and background information to give readers a full understanding of the topics we cover. This includes exploring historical, cultural, or social factors that impact the subjects we report on.
  • Multiple Perspectives: We include multiple viewpoints, especially when covering controversial or complex issues. We aim to give equal attention to opposing views and allow readers to form their own conclusions based on a balanced presentation of the facts. We aim to stay away from politics.
  • Editorial Independence: Foothills Digest maintains editorial independence and does not allow advertisers, sponsors, or external entities to influence editorial content. Our readers’ trust is paramount, and we are committed to maintaining journalistic integrity.

4. Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

At Foothills Digest, we recognize the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern journalism. While AI can assist in streamlining tasks such as research, data analysis, and content generation, we are committed to using AI responsibly and ethically.

  • Human Oversight: All AI-generated content or assistance will be subject to review and oversight by our editorial team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy, fairness, and balance.
  • Ethical Considerations: We will not use AI to replace human creativity or journalistic integrity. AI will be utilized only as a tool to complement our editorial process, never to compromise the values of honesty, originality, or accountability that we uphold.

5. Transparency and Accountability:

We are transparent about our editorial processes and accountable to our readers. Our commitment to transparency includes:

  • Clear Editorial Roles: Our editorial team, including writers, editors, and contributors, are publicly listed and responsible for their content. Readers are encouraged to reach out with questions, concerns, or feedback about our editorial decisions.
  • Open Communication: We welcome reader feedback and provide opportunities for community members to engage with our content. We regularly review reader input and, where appropriate, make adjustments or clarifications.
  • Ethical Conduct: All members of the Foothills Digest team are held to high ethical standards. We uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and respect in all our interactions with sources, subjects, and readers.

6. Commitment to Community:

As a publication that is deeply connected to the Western North Carolina region, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve. Our editorial choices reflect our dedication to:

  • Local Issues: We prioritize covering stories that impact our local communities, focusing on topics related to nature, food, art, and culture in the region.
  • Community Engagement: We actively engage with our readers through local events, partnerships, and collaborations. We seek to foster a positive relationship with the communities we write about, ensuring that their stories are told respectfully and accurately.

Conclusion: Foothills Digest is proud to uphold these editorial principles to ensure that our readers receive journalism that is accurate, fair, and balanced. By adhering to these standards, we aim to contribute to the preservation of the culture, history, and resilience of Western North Carolina while providing an informative and reliable resource for our audience.

For questions regarding this editorial policy, please contact us at [email protected] or (828) 475-1323.