Tarbell Editorial Guidelines
At Tarbell, our mission is to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity. We believe in investigative reporting that exposes hidden truths, challenges the status quo, and empowers the public to make informed decisions. These editorial guidelines reflect our core values: transparency, independence, accountability, and fairness.
1. Independence from Political and Corporate Interests
We are fiercely independent. Tarbell does not accept advertising or sponsorship from corporations, political parties, or government agencies. This ensures that our investigations are guided solely by public interest—not by commercial gain or political pressure.
2. Rigorous Fact-Checking and Verification
All our stories go through a multi-layered editing process that includes strict fact-checking. We verify claims with primary sources, corroborate evidence across multiple channels, and maintain clear sourcing throughout our content. If we cannot verify a fact, we do not publish it.
3. Transparency with Sources and Corrections
We strive for transparency in our sourcing. While we respect anonymity when necessary (e.g., whistleblowers), we disclose as much contextual information as possible to maintain credibility.
Corrections and clarifications are published promptly and prominently. If you believe an error has been made, we encourage you to reach out via hello@tarbell.org.
4. No Conflicts of Interest
All writers, editors, and contributors must disclose any personal or financial connections to subjects they cover. We avoid assigning stories where potential conflicts exist and ensure that all contributors operate with full editorial independence.
5. Ethical Investigative Journalism
We engage in journalism that serves the public. Our investigations often challenge entrenched power structures, uncover regulatory loopholes, or highlight systemic inequalities. However, we do not sensationalize or exploit our subjects. Integrity and respect remain our guiding principles.
6. Editorial Independence from Donors
While we are reader-funded, donors have no influence over our editorial decisions. Supporters contribute because they believe in our mission—not because they seek influence over our coverage.
7. Diversity and Inclusion
We strive to amplify diverse voices and perspectives. From our staff to our sources, we are committed to building a newsroom that reflects the communities we report on.