Ethics & Standards
New England Ledger exists to hold power accountable, elevate stories that are too often ignored and give New England readers the evidence behind our reporting.
Our journalism may be direct. Our headlines may be pointed. But our factual claims must be supportable.
Nonpartisan does not mean neutral between truth and falsehood. It means NEL does not operate on behalf of a political party, candidate, or ideology. Our obligation is to the public and to the facts.
Accuracy and verification
We verify factual claims using documents, data, firsthand observation, interviews and credible public sources whenever possible.
We distinguish between:
- Facts we have verified
- Allegations made by identifiable parties
- Analysis based on the available evidence
- Opinion or commentary
We do not knowingly publish false or materially misleading information.
Fairness and the right to respond
People and organizations facing significant criticism should receive a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication whenever circumstances permit.
A refusal to comment will not prevent publication, but we will accurately state when a response was requested and not provided.
Fairness does not require giving unsupported claims equal weight with documented evidence.
Sources and anonymity
Anonymous sourcing may be used when:
- The information serves a clear public interest
- The source has direct knowledge
- Identification could expose the source to meaningful harm or retaliation
- The information can be independently corroborated where possible
NEL will explain the reason for granting anonymity when doing so does not endanger the source.
Independence and conflicts of interest
NEL’s editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, donors, members, political organizations and public officials.
Financial support does not purchase favorable coverage, advance notice, story approval or protection from scrutiny.
Writers and editors must disclose financial, political, professional or personal relationships that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest.
News, analysis and opinion
NEL will label opinion, commentary, analysis and sponsored material so readers understand what they are reading.
Opinion writers are entitled to a point of view. They are not entitled to invent facts.
Sponsored content, if accepted, will be clearly identified and will not be presented as independent reporting.
Race, identity and vulnerable communities
We mention race, ethnicity, gender, disability, immigration status, religion or sexual orientation only when relevant to the story.
We strive to describe people as they describe themselves while maintaining clarity, accuracy and independence.
We take particular care when reporting on minors, victims, people experiencing homelessness and others who could face disproportionate harm from identification.
Images, documents and artificial intelligence
Photographs and documents will not be materially altered in ways that mislead readers. Illustrations, composites and AI-generated imagery must be clearly labeled.
Artificial intelligence may assist with administrative or production work. It does not replace source verification or editorial judgment.
Corrections
When NEL makes a factual error, we correct it promptly and transparently. Material corrections will include an editor’s note explaining what changed.
Read our full Corrections Policy.
Questions about our standards
Questions about these standards may be sent to: