Editorial Policy
The Carmel Regional Pulse is dedicated to serving the community of Carmel, Indiana, with trustworthy, relevant, and impactful local journalism. This document outlines the principles and standards that guide our reporting and publishing practices.
Editorial Independence
Our news judgments are made independently and are not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, political interests, or personal relationships of our staff or ownership. We maintain a strict separation between our news reporting and our commercial and fundraising activities. Under no circumstances will favorable coverage be offered or guaranteed in exchange for financial support.
Accuracy & Verification Standards
We strive for fairness, context, and factual accuracy in every story. Our journalists are required to verify information through multiple credible sources before publication. This includes:
- Corroborating facts with documents, data, or direct observation where possible.
- Clearly attributing information to its source.
- Seeking comment from relevant individuals or entities featured in critical reporting, allowing them a reasonable opportunity to respond.
Correction Policy
We are committed to correcting errors promptly, transparently, and with appropriate prominence. When a substantive error in fact is identified, we will:
- Clearly note and correct the error at the top or bottom of the online article.
- Explain the nature of the correction for reader clarity.
- Formally note significant corrections in a dedicated weekly corrections section.
Sourcing & Attribution
We are transparent about where our information originates. Anonymous sources are used sparingly and only when the information is vital to the public interest and cannot be obtained on the record. The use of such sources requires senior editorial approval, and we will provide readers with the reason for granting anonymity whenever feasible.
Conflicts of Interest
Our staff must avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. This includes refraining from political advocacy, financial investments, or personal relationships that could compromise or appear to compromise their journalistic integrity. Staff members are required to disclose any potential conflicts to editorial leadership and will be recused from related coverage.
Community Engagement & Feedback
Our mission is rooted in serving the Carmel community. We actively seek diverse perspectives and story ideas from our readers. We are committed to covering the full breadth of our community and providing a forum for civil, constructive dialogue on issues of local importance. We view our readers as essential partners in holding public institutions accountable and celebrating the life of our city.
This policy is a living document, reflecting our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of local journalism.