Fact-Checking Practices
We, at Celebrityradio, want to inform you about the precision and diligence we apply to validate the information in our content, as outlined in our Fact-Checking Policy.
Integrity in Our Content
Audience trust is paramount for any journalistic platform. It’s built and sustained on accurate, fair, and balanced reporting. We strive for utmost accuracy in all our content, embodying what we call “due accuracy,” which must not only fulfill the minimum standard but must also be broadly satisfactory.
We consider various factors such as the topic and nature of the content, and audience expectations in our quest for proper accuracy. In every news story, we aim to present the most precise account that is endorsed by the immediate stakeholders of the news. We scrutinize statements, question assumptions, and challenge accepted knowledge.
Despite our best efforts, some areas of ambiguity will always remain. The criteria for fact-checking information vary for different types of stories. For instance, the sources required for an NGO achievement piece would differ from those for an investigative piece.
To ensure the precision of our content, we adhere to the following guidelines:
We ensure that every piece of information we disseminate is derived from a reliable source and backed by verifiable data. We credit the platform from which the news is sourced when direct sources are unavailable.
We strive to confirm any claims, allegations, or facts attributed to public authorities or anyone we perceive has an ulterior motive other than reporting an event’s truth. Therefore, we disclaim and identify any information, including claims or accusations, that we cannot independently corroborate.
We firmly believe that the information we present is accurate. If inaccuracies are discovered, we promptly rectify them and duly inform our readers about the changes.
We acknowledge that the trust of our audience is critical. Hence, we aim to provide accurate information without alterations or fabrications. Significant factual errors, when identified, are publicly acknowledged, and corrections are made promptly, appropriately, and transparently.
We ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to report any inaccuracies found on our website by incorporating a “Suggest A Correction” section at the end of every report.
Our journalists’ primary duties include reporting, writing, and fact-checking news, information, and stories. Each piece we produce undergoes a thorough fact-checking process internally, followed by review by one or more editors. The complexity and sensitivity of the subject matter and the pressure of the deadline determine the seniority of editors who review stories before publication.
We ensure to reach out to all parties who might be affected by an allegation. Then, to produce the most accurate outcome, we independently verify both the relevant information and the information being provided.
Information Sources for Our Content
We adhere to the following steps to source information accurately:
Verify each piece of information from at least two different sources. Ensure the credibility of the source when there’s only one source. Always seek documentary evidence rather than relying entirely on a human source. Disclose any discrepancies to the audience as soon as possible if there’s a risk that our data won’t yield accurate information. Instead of publishing the information first and then resolving any lingering doubts, strive to obtain accurate information from the outset. Always attempt to collect information from or speak to news sources on the record. Discuss with sources the best ways to use the material they provide, especially if they lack significant media engagement experience. Provide people the opportunity to respond to stories that might portray them negatively and inform readers of the steps we take to contact sources for comment when necessary. Consciously seek sources that lack access to large public platforms in addition to those that are powerful and prominent. Always seek the advice of a senior resource or the person in charge of the newsroom at Celebrityradio when in doubt.
User-Generated Content
User-generated content is inherently problematic. We do not take the provided information at face value and take appropriate measures to confirm its accuracy based on how we intend to use it. We exercise caution when using information provided by a lobbyist or anyone else with a stake in the story compared to a neutral observer. We ensure user-generated content is clearly labeled as such. Additionally, we adhere to the following principles:
Online information sources that appear trustworthy may not always be entirely accurate. It may be necessary to confirm the authenticity of the information pertinent to them with a person or organization and to find out who runs the website. Carefully distinguish between fact and rumor, especially for content available on social media, where distortions may be intentional or accidental. More investigation may be required where information from a social media site or other internet source is being used to support a fact. We qualify and identify all information that was not obtained by us.
