Our reporting promise

Editorial standards

Local Gazette Austin reports useful local news for Austin from evidence readers can inspect. Our newsroom is responsible for verifying, attributing and reviewing what we publish.

Joseph Biz, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, has final responsibility for these standards and for publication, correction and commercial-separation decisions across the US network.

How a story becomes a Local Gazette report

1. We find a possible story through an official source, a first-party announcement, a submitted release or a tip.
2. We check the primary evidence, current dates, location and material claims before drafting.
3. We write an original report in our own words. Other publishers may help us discover a lead, but their reporting is not used as copy to rewrite.
4. We link visibly to the supporting source wherever it is publicly available.
5. An editor reviews each report before publication.

Accuracy, attribution and quotes

• We do not invent people, quotes, figures, places or events.
• Claims and statistics are attributed to the organisation or person responsible for them.
• Direct quotations are limited, exact and clearly attributed. We do not reproduce substantial parts of another publication.
• Allegations, court reporting, public safety and other sensitive subjects receive additional editorial review.
• Headlines must reflect the evidence and must not overstate what is known.

Editorial responsibility

• Editors are responsible for accuracy, attribution, fairness and the decision to publish.
• Draft material is not published until it has been checked against supporting sources.
• We do not use fictional bylines, invent first-hand observation or fabricate quotations.
• Responsibility for accuracy remains with the publication and its named editorial leadership.

Images and copyright

We use original Local Gazette graphics, our own photography, submitted images with publication permission, or material covered by a verified licence. Finding an image online does not make it free to republish. Image credits and captions should explain where material came from.

Commercial independence

Advertising does not buy favourable editorial coverage. Paid placements, sponsored material and commercial partnerships are labelled so readers can distinguish them from independently selected news.

Corrections

If you believe a report is inaccurate, email [email protected] with the article URL and the evidence we should review. Material errors are corrected promptly; a serious or irreparable problem may require removal. Our corrections page explains the appeal process and public register.