Editorial Policy
This document describes how Daily Watch Reports makes editorial decisions — what we cover, how we source our reporting, and the principles that govern our independence. It applies to all staff and to any contributor who publishes under the Daily Watch Reports name.
Story Selection
We cover stories that are consequential, verifiable, and useful to readers. Those three criteria work together. A rumor may be consequential but is not yet verifiable. A press release may be verifiable but tells readers only what an organization wants them to know. We aim for stories that pass all three tests.
We do not chase traffic for its own sake. If a story is trending and we cannot add anything of substance — additional sourcing, context, or original reporting — we will acknowledge it in a briefing but will not manufacture original coverage around a headline we cannot improve.
Breaking news is covered when we can confirm core facts independently. We would rather be second and right than first and wrong. When we publish early in a developing story, we say so explicitly and update as facts become clear.
Sourcing Standards
Every factual claim in a Daily Watch Reports story rests on at least one of the following: on-record statements from named sources, contemporaneous documents, official records, or first-hand observation by a reporter. We prefer on-record sources. We use unnamed sources only when the information is newsworthy, cannot be obtained on the record, and the source’s reasons for anonymity are genuine (see also our Standards and Practices page).
We do not publish claims sourced solely to social media posts, unverified wire traffic, or anonymous tips without independent corroboration. A tip is a starting point, not a story.
When we rely on published research or data, we cite the original source — not a press release summarizing it.
Editorial Independence
Daily Watch Reports is independently owned. No advertiser, sponsor, or funder has any role in editorial decisions. The commercial team is physically and operationally separate from the editorial team. If an advertiser objects to coverage, that is noted internally and does not affect what we publish. If an advertiser were to condition advertising on favorable coverage — or the withdrawal of critical coverage — we would decline the relationship and, if warranted, report on the attempt.
Editorial staff do not write sponsored content, native advertising, or branded content. Paid placements are produced by a separate commercial team, are clearly labeled as advertising, and do not carry news bylines.
Politics Coverage and the Two-Sides Rule
On contested political questions where reasonable people disagree on values or priorities, we present multiple perspectives fairly and without weighting the framing toward one side. We do not editorialize in news copy. Opinion pieces, which are clearly labeled as such, operate under different standards and may argue a position.
However, “both sides” does not mean false equivalence. When one position is contradicted by documented evidence — scientific consensus, official records, legal findings — we do not present that position as equally credible. We report the evidence and describe the disagreement accurately.
Reporters covering politics do not contribute to political campaigns, hold party office, or make public political statements on the topics they cover. This is a condition of employment.
Corrections and Accountability
We correct errors promptly and visibly. The correction appears in the article itself, with a note at the top explaining what changed and when. Significant errors are also logged on our public Corrections page. For details on the corrections process, see our Corrections policy.
Questions and Feedback
Readers with questions about our editorial decisions or concerns about a specific story are welcome to contact us at [email protected]. We read every message, though we cannot always reply individually.