Report facts. Remove potential bias. Respect sources.
Newspapers around the world, including the Wildcat Chronicle, uphold these values to maintain a professional status and follow journalistic ethics.
Information is able to spread more quickly and farther than ever before due to constantly evolving technological advancements, rapid communication, and the growth of modern media. In a society that is constantly revolutionizing and being filled with false information, a trustworthy news source is of utmost importance.
The problem is that impartial news may be difficult to spot without context, which can lead some readers to mistake factual reporting for an opinion.
Editorial cartoon by Milly Mora-Zarco
We, as a newspaper, work daily to accept constructive criticism and feedback while also establishing that journalists have the duty — and the right — to carry out unbiased news. Breaking news, features, and in-depth articles are not meant to satisfy one’s opinion but instead deliver our audience with trustworthy sources and references to create an informative piece.
Pieces like an article on a missing class pet, for example, would focus on verified details: when it was last seen, who had access to the classroom, and what steps are being taken to locate it. The purpose of an article such as this one is to inform readers about what is happening in their community, not assign blame or create controversy.
Other investigative pieces may address a hypothesis, gather information to answer a proposed question, and research whether or not something should be done. News reporting is not meant to adhere to a particular vibe or emotion; its role is to present information and raise questions, even when the topic may be perceived as negative.
We encourage readers to research the things they hear and read and examine the true reason behind a published piece. Take a second to think: “What was the intent of this article and why does it matter?” We are not only journalists who aim to publish quality news, but also students, colleagues, and peers who strive for excellence in building an informed community based on truth.
