Editorial Standards & Ethics
Independent Space News (ISN) applies a standards framework grounded in the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Our work is guided by four core obligations: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent.
1. Seek Truth and Report It
- We verify facts with primary sources whenever possible, including official documents, direct statements, technical filings, and on-record interviews.
- We distinguish confirmed reporting from analysis, opinion, and emerging claims.
- We provide context, timelines, and relevant technical background so complex space topics are understandable and not misleading.
- We avoid sensational framing and do not publish unverified claims as fact.
- We promptly correct significant factual errors and clearly label updates or corrections.
2. Minimize Harm
- We treat sources, subjects, and audiences with respect while preserving editorial rigor.
- We avoid unnecessary publication of private personal information and do not expose sensitive details unless there is clear public-interest justification.
- We take extra care when reporting on allegations, legal disputes, and high-risk claims.
- We do not publish content intended to harass, intimidate, or dehumanize individuals or groups.
3. Act Independently
- Editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, sponsors, political interests, contractors, and source organizations.
- Sponsored content is explicitly labeled and separated from editorial reporting.
- We avoid conflicts of interest and disclose unavoidable potential conflicts where relevant.
- We do not accept favors, gifts, or financial incentives that compromise or appear to compromise coverage integrity.
4. Be Accountable and Transparent
- We explain our methods when appropriate, including sourcing, verification limits, and uncertainty.
- We invite good-faith feedback, correction requests, and evidence-based challenges.
- When coverage changes after new evidence, we update the story record clearly and visibly.
- We hold ourselves to the same scrutiny we apply to institutions and decision-makers.
Correction Policy
ISN treats correction work as part of reporting discipline. When the factual record is wrong, we correct it promptly, clearly, and in proportion to the significance of the error.
- We do not silently rewrite substantive factual errors.
- We distinguish between minor edits, clarifications, corrections, editor's notes, and rare cases requiring retraction or removal.
- Significant corrections are labeled in the story so readers can understand what changed.
- Urgent factual errors affecting public understanding, safety, markets, or reputations are prioritized.
- Evidence-based correction requests are reviewed promptly and in good faith.
Readers can send correction requests through the contact page. The full correction policy is published on the corrections page and on the About page.
Submission and Community Standards
- User-submitted articles and events are reviewed before publication.
- Submissions containing plagiarism, disinformation, fabricated sourcing, or undisclosed promotional intent are rejected.
- Comments and community contributions may be moderated to maintain civility, factual integrity, and legal compliance.
This policy is a living standard. ISN may refine process details over time while preserving the same ethical foundation. For sourcing criteria, see Trusted Sources.