Bay Area Telegraph Editorial Policies
The Bay Area Telegraph is an independent local news organization covering the San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on Contra Costa County and the communities of the “925.” Our mission is to provide accurate, timely, and trustworthy reporting about the communities we serve.
We follow widely accepted journalistic standards and ethical practices to ensure that our reporting is fair, transparent, and independent.
Editorial Independence
The Bay Area Telegraph operates independently and maintains a strict separation between editorial decision-making and any commercial interests.
Our coverage is determined solely by our editors and reporters based on news value and relevance to our audience.
We do not accept payment, gifts, or compensation in exchange for editorial coverage.
Businesses, organizations, public agencies, and individuals cannot purchase or guarantee coverage on the Bay Area Telegraph.
No Sponsored Content
The Bay Area Telegraph does not publish sponsored articles or paid editorial content.
All articles published on the site are produced by our editorial team and reflect our independent reporting.
We do accept sponsorships for our newsletters. These are always prominently identified as “A Word from Our Sponsors” to avoid any confusion with editorial articles.
Review Policy (Restaurants, Hotels, Products)
In some cases, the Bay Area Telegraph may accept press invitations that allow us to evaluate experiences or products. These may include:
- Press meals at restaurants
- Media previews or press events
- Review units for products
- Hosted stays at hotels or travel destinations
Accepting these invitations does not guarantee coverage. All coverage is written entirely at the discretion of our editorial team.
Brands, restaurants, or organizations:
- Do not receive editorial input
- Do not review stories before publication
- Do not control our opinions or conclusions
All reviews reflect the honest assessment of our writers and editors.
Whenever a visit, meal, product, or experience is hosted or provided for review purposes, we clearly disclose this in the article.
Photography and Visual Journalism
Photography is a core part of our reporting.
The Bay Area Telegraph primarily publishes original photography captured by our editorial team.
When we use photographs obtained from other sources, we follow clear attribution standards.
Images may come from:
- Our photographers and staff
- Public agencies or government sources
- Businesses or organizations providing official press photos
- Licensed image providers
- Community submissions
All images are properly credited.
Our photography follows the ethical standards established by the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). This includes:
- Presenting images truthfully and accurately
- Avoiding manipulation that alters the reality of events
- Maintaining context and integrity in visual storytelling
- Clearly identifying illustrative or archival imagery when appropriate
Accuracy and Corrections
Accuracy is fundamental to our journalism.
We strive to ensure that all reporting is verified through reliable sources and careful fact-checking.
If we discover an error, we correct it as quickly as possible.
Corrections may include:
- Updating inaccurate information
- Clarifying context
- Publishing correction notes within the article
- Publishing a correction in the next editon of a relevant newsletter
Readers who believe an article contains an error are encouraged to contact our editorial team.
Sources and Attribution
We use a variety of sources in our reporting, including:
- Official records and public documents
- Government agencies and public officials
- Direct interviews
- Eyewitness accounts
- Community members and local organizations
- Verified reporting from other news organizations
When information originates from another outlet, we clearly credit that source.
We avoid anonymous sources whenever possible. When anonymity is granted, it is done only when there is a legitimate public interest and the source faces potential risk.
Community Coverage
As a local news publication, the Bay Area Telegraph focuses heavily on issues affecting our communities, including:
- Local government and public policy
- Public safety and crime
- Business openings and closures
- Restaurants and food culture
- Community events and festivals
- Transportation and infrastructure
- Housing and development
We strive to report on both major developments and smaller stories that matter to residents.
Conflicts of Interest
Our editorial staff avoids situations that could create conflicts of interest.
Writers and editors do not cover organizations, businesses, or individuals where a personal or financial relationship could compromise editorial independence.
If a potential conflict exists, the story is assigned to another reporter or disclosed appropriately.
User-Generated Content and Tips
The Bay Area Telegraph may receive story tips, photos, and information from readers.
We welcome community submissions but verify all information before publication.
Submitting a tip or image does not guarantee publication.
Updates to These Policies
Editorial policies may evolve as journalism practices and technologies change.
Any updates to these policies will be reflected on this page.
Contact the Editorial Team
Readers can contact the Bay Area Telegraph editorial team regarding corrections, story tips, or editorial questions.
Email: tom@bayareatelegraph.com