Our Policies and Standards

Trust is the cornerstone of journalism. It’s not just about reporting the news—it’s about doing so with integrity, accuracy, and a deep sense of responsibility to readers and the Las Vegas community. That’s why TheNews.Vegas we uphold the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, even though this site is not a member. Even so, it sets a gold standard for quality journalism.

The Standards

The SPJ Code of Ethics rests on four core principles: Seek Truth and Report It, Minimize Harm, Act Independently, and Be Accountable and Transparent. Here’s how we put these principles into practice:

1. Seek Truth and Report It

• Accuracy is our priority. Our journalists verify information using original sources whenever possible, ensuring every story is factual and reliable.
• Context matters. We provide comprehensive background to avoid misrepresentation or oversimplification, updating stories as new information emerges.
• Sources are transparent. We identify sources clearly, granting anonymity only when a source faces potential harm and the information is vital and unobtainable otherwise—always explaining our reasoning.
• We amplify diverse voices. From holding the powerful accountable to uplifting the voiceless, we boldly tell stories that reflect our community’s diversity.

2. Minimize Harm

• Respect guides us. We treat sources, subjects, and readers as human beings, showing compassion—especially for vulnerable groups like juveniles or crime victims.
• We weigh impact carefully. Balancing the public’s right to know with potential harm, we protect private individuals’ control over personal information more than public figures’.
• No sensationalism. We avoid pandering to lurid curiosity and consider the lasting effects of our online content.

3. Act Independently

• Our loyalty is to you, the public. We avoid conflicts of interest—disclosing any that are unavoidable—and reject gifts, favors, or special treatment that could compromise our integrity. Should we cover a topic, person, or organization who is an advertiser or donor, the financial relationship will be disclosed in detail along with the article in which they appear.
• News stays pure. We don’t pay for access, and advertising never influences our reporting. Ads are clearly labled.
• No external sway. We don’t take requests for coverage—our editorial choices are based solely on newsworthiness and public interest.

• We own our work. Mistakes happen, and when they do, we correct them quickly, prominently, and with clear explanations.
• We’re open to you. We welcome reader feedback and questions about our practices, fostering dialogue about how we report the news.
• High standards apply to us too. We call out unethical journalism—inside or outside our walls—and hold ourselves accountable.

The Policies

To ensure we live up to these principles, TheNews.Vegas has clear, actionable policies:

• Corrections Policy
  Errors are corrected promptly and visibly. We label corrections clearly, explain what went wrong, and why it was fixed—because accountability builds trust. If something is wrong, tell us immediately: tips@thenews.vegas.
• Advertising Policy
  News and ads don’t mix. Advertisers have no say in our editorial content, and sponsored material is distinctly marked for full transparency.
• No Requests for Coverage
  We don’t accept requests to cover stories or events. Our newsroom decides what’s worth reporting based on its relevance to you, not outside pressures.
• Community Involvement
  We’re part of Las Vegas—not just observers. As we grow, we will look to hold in person events to get community feedback. In the meantime, tell us what you think at tips@thenews.vegas.
• Conflicts of Interest
  We avoid conflicts diligently. If one arises—like a reporter covering a personal connection—we disclose it and take steps to ensure fairness.
• Sources of Funding Transparency
  We’re funded by subscriptions and advertising—no political groups or hidden influencers here. Our funding never dictates our reporting. To date, we are entirely funded by the one idealistic woman who runs this website.
  • If we get donors and advertisers, they will be listed here.

Why This Matters

In the era of fake news and when misinformation spreads fast and trust in media wavers, we’re doubling down on ethics

At TheNews.Vegas, we don’t just report—we earn your confidence daily through transparency, accountability, and unwavering principles.

Have questions about our work? See something we could do better? Reach out. We’re here to serve the truth. Not bullhockey.

Last updated: June 13, 2025