Ethics policy

The Berkeley Scanner is committed to producing accurate, independent and ethical journalism. These standards guide our reporting and editorial decisions and are intended to make clear to readers what they can expect.

Accuracy and verification

We strive to publish information that is accurate, verified and presented in context. We rely on primary sources and original documentation whenever practical and prioritize clear attribution. We distinguish confirmed facts from allegations and preliminary information. The demands of breaking news do not change our standards for accuracy.

Fairness

We strive to report fairly, thoroughly and without predetermined conclusions. When appropriate, we make reasonable efforts to give individuals and organizations an opportunity to respond to significant criticism or allegations. We clearly attribute allegations and distinguish them from established facts.

Editorial control

We do not give sources or subjects of coverage the right to review or approve stories before publication. We may verify facts, quotations or technical information with sources when appropriate, but editorial decisions remain with the newsroom.

Corrections and updates

We correct factual errors promptly and transparently. Significant corrections are clearly noted on the story. Minor typographical, grammatical or stylistic errors that do not affect the substance may be corrected without a note.

We update stories when warranted and clearly identify substantive updates.

Sources, anonymity and confidentiality

We identify our sources when possible so readers can evaluate the information they provide. We may grant anonymity when there is a legitimate journalistic reason to do so. We know the identity of anonymous sources and consider their access to the information, credibility and motivations. When appropriate, we explain why a source was granted anonymity.

Protecting confidential sources is a fundamental obligation of our journalism. When we agree to protect a source's identity or other confidential information, we consider that commitment binding and take every reasonable step to safeguard it.

Editorial independence

Our journalism is produced independently of our financial supporters. Donors, members, sponsors, advertisers, grantmakers and other funders have no role in determining what we cover or how we cover it. Financial support does not entitle anyone to favorable coverage or shield anyone from scrutiny. When a significant financial relationship is relevant to our coverage, we disclose it to readers.

We do not publish paid or sponsored content.

Conflicts of interest

We avoid financial, personal and professional interests that could compromise or appear to compromise our editorial independence. When a significant potential conflict arises, we address it through disclosure, recusal or other appropriate measures. We do not use our position, newsroom access or nonpublic information obtained through our work for personal advantage.

Outside work and community involvement

Our journalists may engage in outside employment, freelance work, professional activities and community involvement, provided those activities do not compromise or appear to compromise their journalistic independence. Journalists must receive advance approval for outside work or activities that could create a significant conflict with their newsroom responsibilities. They may not accept paid work from individuals or organizations they regularly cover or may reasonably be expected to cover.

Gifts and special treatment

We do not accept favors, discounts or other benefits from sources or subjects of coverage. Journalists may accept unsolicited gifts valued at less than $25.

Journalists generally pay for their own meals when meeting with sources. They may accept ordinary food or refreshments provided to attendees at press conferences, meetings, community events and similar gatherings. Reasonable accommodations necessary for reporting, such as press access to an event, are not considered gifts.

Political activity

Our journalists do not make political contributions, work or volunteer for political campaigns, publicly endorse candidates, sign political petitions or participate in political demonstrations. They avoid political activity and public advocacy that could compromise or appear to compromise their independence. These restrictions do not limit journalists' right to vote or prevent them from participating in civic life in ways that do not create a conflict with their journalistic responsibilities.

Privacy and minimizing harm

An arrest or criminal charge is not a finding of guilt. We clearly attribute allegations and distinguish among arrests, charges, convictions and other outcomes in the criminal justice process. People accused of crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. When warranted, we update our reporting to reflect significant developments in cases we have covered.

We consider the potential harm our reporting may cause and weigh it against the public interest in publishing the information. We exercise particular care when reporting on children and crime victims. We generally do not identify crime victims without consent unless there is an overriding public-interest reason to do so.

We avoid publishing private or identifying information that is not necessary to the story and exercise care with graphic or disturbing material. The fact that information is available in a public record does not, by itself, determine whether we publish it.

Changes to stories and removal requests

We do not remove accurate published reporting from our archives. We recognize, however, that circumstances can change. We consider requests to alter published information on a case-by-case basis, taking into account subsequent developments, the public interest and the integrity of the historical record. When circumstances warrant, upon request, we may update a story, add context or remove identifying information.

Reporting methods

We identify ourselves as journalists when appropriate and do not misrepresent our identities to obtain information. We gather information through lawful and ethical means.

Photography and visual journalism

We follow accepted journalistic standards for editing news photographs. Routine cropping and adjustments consistent with traditional photographic practices are permitted, but we do not add, remove or materially alter visual elements in ways that misrepresent what was photographed. We may obscure license plates when warranted to protect privacy. We do not stage or recreate events and present them as documentary images. Photo illustrations, composites and other constructed images are identified when necessary to avoid misleading readers.

Artificial intelligence

We do not publish AI-generated news stories. We may use artificial intelligence as an assistive tool for research, organization, transcription, data analysis, editing and other newsroom tasks, but journalists remain responsible for verifying the information and for the accuracy and integrity of everything we publish. AI-generated information is not treated as a source.

We do not enter confidential source information or other protected confidential material into AI systems.

We may use AI tools for routine photographic adjustments consistent with traditional darkroom practices. Any AI-assisted alteration beyond those practices will be clearly disclosed. We may also use AI to create graphics or illustrations; when warranted, we identify synthetic visual material so readers are not misled about what they are seeing.

Plagiarism and attribution

We do not present the work of others as our own. We appropriately credit reporting, quotations, photographs, data and other material originating from outside sources.

Guest essays and commentary

We publish guest essays and other commentary, which we clearly distinguish from our news reporting. The views expressed are those of the authors; publication does not constitute an endorsement by the newsroom. Guest contributions are subject to editorial review.

Respect and relevance

We avoid stereotypes and unnecessary references to personal characteristics that are not relevant to the story.

Our standards for accuracy, fairness and independence apply to news and information we publish on social media as well as on our own platforms.

Ownership

The Berkeley Scanner is owned and operated by Emilie Raguso through The Berkeley Scanner LLC, a California limited liability company.

Accountability

We welcome questions and concerns about our journalism and our adherence to these standards. Readers may contact us at editor@berkeleyscanner.com.