Fact Checking Policy
The Heartlands Tribune is committed to publishing information that is accurate, properly sourced and presented in context.
Our contributors and editors are expected to take reasonable steps to verify factual claims before publication.
Verification
Where appropriate, we seek to verify:
- names, dates, places and positions
- quotations and attributed statements
- statistics and numerical claims
- claims made in public documents
- statements made by politicians, public bodies and organisations
- photographs, video and other material used as evidence
- information obtained from third-party reports or publications
The level of verification required will depend on the nature and seriousness of the claim.
Claims that could materially affect the reputation of an individual or organisation require particular care.
Sources
Where possible, we prefer primary sources such as:
- official documents
- legislation and court judgments
- government or public-body data
- company filings
- parliamentary records
- direct statements
- original research
- first-hand testimony
Secondary reporting may also be used, particularly where the original source is unavailable, but important claims should be corroborated where reasonably possible.
Anonymous or confidential sources may be used when there is a legitimate public-interest reason to protect their identity. Their information should be assessed carefully and corroborated wherever possible.
Opinion and Analysis
The Heartlands Tribune publishes news, analysis and opinion.
Opinion pieces may make arguments, draw conclusions and express political viewpoints, but factual claims within those pieces should still be capable of verification.
We do not regard political disagreement as a factual error.
Headlines and Social Media
Headlines, captions and social media posts should fairly reflect the substance of the underlying article.
They should not knowingly misrepresent the facts of a story merely to attract attention or engagement.
Developing Stories
Information can change rapidly during breaking or developing events.
Where facts remain uncertain, that uncertainty should be made clear.
Articles may be updated as reliable new information becomes available.
Corrections
If a substantive factual error is identified after publication, it will be dealt with under The Heartlands Tribune Corrections Policy.
Readers who believe we have published an error are encouraged to contact us and provide relevant evidence.
Email: contact@heartlandstribune.com
The Heartlands Tribune
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