Editorial Standards & Ethics Policy

Effective Date: March 4, 2026

Littleton Reporter is an independent local news and civic information platform serving Littleton, New Hampshire and the surrounding North Country region. The purpose of Littleton Reporter is to inform the public, increase civic awareness, and support transparency in local governance.

This Editorial Standards & Ethics Policy outlines the principles guiding how information is gathered, verified, and published.

1. Commitment to Accuracy

Littleton Reporter is committed to publishing information that is accurate, verifiable, and presented in good faith. Reasonable efforts are made to:

(a) verify factual claims prior to publication 

(b) consult primary documents whenever possible

(c) distinguish between confirmed facts and developing information

(d) provide context necessary for readers to understand an issue
 

When errors are identified, they are corrected in accordance with the Corrections & Retractions Policy.

2. Independence

Littleton Reporter operates as an independent publisher. Editorial decisions are made without influence from:

(a) political organizations
(b) government officials
(c) advertisers
(d) advocacy groups
(e) private interests
 

Advertising, sponsorships, or financial relationships do not influence editorial content.

3. Transparency

Littleton Reporter seeks to maintain transparency in its reporting practices. When appropriate, articles may reference:

(a) public records
(b) municipal documents
(c) meeting minutes
(d) official reports
(e) other primary source materials
 

Where possible, links or references to original documents may be provided to allow readers to review source material directly.

4. Fairness

Reporting should strive to present information in a fair and responsible manner. When reporting on matters involving individuals, organizations, or public officials, reasonable efforts may be made to:

(a) present relevant context
(b) allow for clarification or response when appropriate
(c) avoid unnecessary personal speculation
 

However, Littleton Reporter does not guarantee that every subject of a story will be contacted prior to publication, particularly when reporting on matters of public record.

5. Opinion and Commentary

Littleton Reporter may publish analysis, commentary, or editorial perspectives. When opinion content is published, it will generally be distinguishable from straight news reporting. Opinion content does not alter the commitment to factual accuracy.

6. Public Records Reporting

Much of Littleton Reporter’s reporting may rely on public records and official documents. Public records may include:

(a) municipal meeting minutes
(b) budgets and financial reports
(c) government filings
(d) public hearings and proceedings
(e) other documents available under applicable public records laws

Such materials remain the official publications of the originating entity.

7. Conflicts of Interest

Littleton Reporter strives to avoid conflicts of interest that could undermine public trust.

Editorial decisions should not be influenced by personal relationships, financial interests, or outside affiliations that could compromise journalistic integrity.

8. Community Responsibility

Littleton Reporter recognizes that local journalism directly affects the communities it serves.

Reporting should avoid unnecessary harm while maintaining the public’s right to information.

The goal of Littleton Reporter is to strengthen civic awareness and informed public participation.

9. Contact

Questions regarding these Terms of Use may be directed to:

Littleton Reporter

editor@littletonreporter.com

littletonreporter.com