[REVIEW: business-specific] These standards are a starting draft. Review them with everyone who writes or edits for Oahu Local before launch, then remove this note.
Our mission
Oahu Local helps people on Oahu make the most of where they live, and stay informed about what is happening in their communities. We aim to be accurate, fair, useful and transparent about how we work.
Accuracy
We verify facts before we publish: names, dates, times, prices and places. When we cannot confirm something, we say so or leave it out. Event details come from organizers; we tell readers to check with the organizer before they go, because plans change.
Independence
Our coverage is decided by our editors. Advertisers and sponsors do not review stories before publication and cannot buy coverage. Writers disclose any personal or financial connection to the people and businesses they cover, and we note it in the story or assign someone else.
Labels we use
- Reporting: fact-based stories built on our own verification and sourcing.
- Opinion: the author’s own views, labeled at the top of the story.
- Analysis: interpretation of the news by an author who explains their reasoning and evidence.
- Sponsored: paid content. It is labeled at the top, names the sponsor, and is not written by our newsroom staff unless stated. [REVIEW: business-specific]
Sponsored content and advertising
Sponsored stories, sponsor placements and newsletter sponsorships are always labeled and name the sponsor. Sponsored links are marked for search engines as paid. Our editors decide whether to accept a sponsorship, and sponsors never see or approve news coverage before it is published. [REVIEW: business-specific: say who writes sponsored stories and whether sponsors approve them.]
Sources
We prefer named sources. We grant anonymity only when a source faces real risk, and only when the information is important and cannot be obtained another way. We explain in the story why a source was not named.
Photos and images
We credit every photo. We do not alter news photos beyond basic adjustments such as cropping and exposure. Illustrations and any AI-generated images are clearly labeled as such. [REVIEW: business-specific: confirm your policy on AI tools for text and images.]
Corrections and updates
When we get something wrong, we fix it quickly and say so. A correction note at the end of the story explains what was wrong and what is right. When we add significant new information, we show an “Updated” date at the top. We do not quietly delete published stories.
To report an error, use our contact form and include the link to the story.
Questions about our standards
Contact our editor at [PLACEHOLDER: editor’s email] or through our contact page.