Editorial Policy

Last Updated: June 2026

Buzz Capitol is committed to reporting stories that are accurate, fair, independent, and accountable. This Editorial Policy outlines the standards and principles that govern every piece of content we publish.

1. Core Editorial Principles

Everything published on Buzz Capitol is guided by four core principles:

  • Accuracy: We verify facts before publishing. We do not present assumptions as fact, and we are transparent when information is unavailable or unconfirmed.
  • Fairness: We give subjects of our reporting the opportunity to respond before publication and present multiple perspectives objectively.
  • Independence: We do not accept advertiser, political, or sponsor influence over our editorial decisions. Our commercial and editorial operations are kept separate.
  • Accountability: We correct errors promptly and transparently, and we take responsibility for what we publish.

2. Editorial Independence

Buzz Capitol maintains a strict separation between its editorial and advertising/commercial operations. We do not shape our coverage, perspectives, or conclusions to satisfy advertisers.

Editorial decisions — including what we cover and how — are never influenced by advertisers, sponsors, partners, or any other external party.

Our Editor-in-Chief oversees the editorial team, and all editorial decisions are based solely on newsworthiness, public interest, and journalistic merit.

3. Sourcing Standards

We hold ourselves to the following sourcing standards:

  • Factual claims are supported by one or more credible, verifiable sources.
  • We prioritize primary sources — government documents, official statements, and peer-reviewed research — over secondary sources whenever possible.
  • Sources are identified by name and title wherever possible.
  • Anonymous sources are used only when necessary for public interest reporting or to protect a source’s safety, and we explain in the article why anonymity was granted.
  • We do not cite or quote sources whose identity or claims cannot be verified.
  • Unconfirmed statements, rumors, or unverified social media posts are never presented as fact.

4. Corrections Policy

We correct errors when they are identified — whether by a reader, a source, or our own editorial team. Our process is to:

  • Correct the error as quickly as possible
  • Add a clear, visible correction notice to the article explaining what was changed and why
  • Never make silent or hidden edits to published content

For full details, see our Corrections Policy.

5. Use of AI in Content

Buzz Capitol may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with research, transcription, translation, or idea generation. However, every piece of published content is reviewed, edited, and approved by a human editor before publication.

We do not publish AI-generated content without human review. No article goes live without human editorial oversight.

For more detail, see our AI Usage Policy.

6. Sponsored and Advertised Content

Any paid, sponsored, or brand-partnered content is clearly labeled as such. Labels we use include:

  • “Sponsored”
  • “Advertorial”
  • “Paid Partnership”
  • “Partner Content”

Sponsored content does not reflect the editorial views of Buzz Capitol, and our editorial team is not involved in producing it.

7. Sensitive Topics

Buzz Capitol reports on sensitive subjects — including crime, mental health, suicide, violence, and tragedy — with care and respect for those involved.

We follow responsible reporting practices for:

  • Suicide and self-harm (in line with established media guidelines)
  • Gender-based violence and abuse, including protecting survivor privacy
  • Juvenile crime, including protecting the identities of minors
  • Violence and human suffering, avoiding gratuitous or exploitative coverage

8. Conflicts of Interest

Staff members and contributors must disclose any personal or financial interest that could influence their reporting. No writer is assigned to a story in which they have a personal stake.

Writers may not accept gifts, complimentary travel, or compensation from sources, subjects, or organizations they cover.

9. Images and Visual Content

All images published on Buzz Capitol are one of the following:

  • Licensed from reputable stock photo agencies
  • Used under a Creative Commons license with proper attribution
  • Original photography by our team
  • Official press images used with permission

We do not use images without a verified right to do so. See our Image Licensing Policy for full details.

10. Diversity and Representation

Buzz Capitol is committed to fair and inclusive coverage. We seek out diverse sources and perspectives across race, gender, geography, and background, and we avoid stereotyping in our reporting. We take seriously the responsibility that comes with our reach.

11. Editorial Complaints

If you believe Buzz Capitol has violated this Editorial Policy, please let us know:

Email: info@buzzcapitol.com Subject Line: “Editorial Complaint”

All editorial complaints are taken seriously and answered within 5 business days.

12. Governing Standards

Our editorial practices are guided by:

  • The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics
  • The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook
  • Google News Publisher Guidelines
  • Google Search Essentials
  • FTC Guidelines Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising