At West Virginia Explorer, our readers place their trust in us to report accurately, fairly, and independently. These editorial standards guide every story we publish and every decision we make in the newsroom.
Our standards are informed by the long-established principles of The Associated Press and adapted to reflect our mission as an independent digital publication devoted exclusively to West Virginia.
Accuracy Above All
Accuracy is the foundation of our journalism. We strive to verify information before publication through interviews, public records, historical documents, firsthand reporting, and other reliable sources. Facts are checked carefully, quotations are presented faithfully, and statistics are attributed whenever possible.
When new information becomes available, or an error is identified, we correct it promptly and transparently.
Independence
Our editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, sponsors, political organizations, advocacy groups, and other outside interests.
Advertising relationships never determine what we cover or how we report it. Sponsored content is clearly identified and never presented as independent news reporting.
Our journalists avoid activities or relationships that could create actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
Fairness
We believe readers deserve reporting that is fair, balanced, and supported by evidence.
When reporting on controversial issues, we seek relevant perspectives and provide appropriate context so readers can better understand the subject. We strive to represent people accurately and respectfully while avoiding unnecessary sensationalism.
Fairness does not require giving equal weight to information that is demonstrably false or unsupported by credible evidence.
Transparency
We believe transparency strengthens public confidence.
When appropriate, we identify our sources, explain how information was obtained, disclose relevant limitations in our reporting, and acknowledge uncertainty when facts cannot yet be confirmed.
When confidential sources are necessary to protect individuals from harm or retaliation, we evaluate their credibility carefully and use anonymity only when the public interest clearly justifies it.
Corrections and Accountability
Journalism is a continuing process of gathering and verifying information.
If we publish inaccurate information, we correct it as quickly as possible. Significant factual corrections are acknowledged openly in accordance with our Corrections & Clarifications Policy.
Reader feedback is welcomed and carefully reviewed.
Respect for Sources and Subjects
We treat interview subjects, readers, and sources with professionalism and respect.
We seek informed consent whenever practical, accurately represent interviews, and avoid deceptive reporting practices except in rare circumstances where there is an overwhelming public interest and no reasonable alternative exists.
Original Reporting
West Virginia Explorer values original journalism. Our reporting includes firsthand observation, interviews, public meetings, archival research, government records, academic studies, and field reporting throughout West Virginia. Information from other news organizations is properly attributed when used.
Photography and Visual Journalism
Photographs and videos published by West Virginia Explorer are intended to document events truthfully.
Images may be adjusted for normal editorial purposes such as exposure, color balance, or cropping, but they are never manipulated in ways that materially alter the events or scenes they depict unless clearly identified as illustrations, artistic renderings, or photo illustrations.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence may assist our newsroom with research, transcription, organization, language refinement, and other editorial workflows.
Every published story, headline, caption, and image description is reviewed by a human editor. AI-generated information is independently verified before publication, and AI-generated images are clearly labeled whenever they are used as illustrations. AI never replaces editorial judgment.
Serving readers
West Virginia Explorer exists to inform, educate, and inspire readers about the Mountain State.
Whether covering breaking news, travel, history, outdoor recreation, business, culture, or community life, our goal is to produce journalism that is accurate, informative, engaging, and worthy of the trust our readers place in us.
These standards guide our work every day and reflect our ongoing commitment to independent journalism in service to West Virginia and to everyone who wants to better understand it.