NewsBreak is a safe space where people come together to engage with credible and relevant local information and to share their thoughts about it. We hold ourselves and our partners to high editorial standards to ensure our community can trust and rely on what they see on NewsBreak. In doing so, we aim to help people deepen ties to their communities and foster a greater sense of belonging.

These principles are designed to help foster a healthy, safe environment of authenticity for the NewsBreak community.

NewsBreak believes the foundation of a healthy community is credible information. NewsBreak takes the accuracy of the content on its platform very seriously and prohibits the publication of rumor, hearsay, or unverified information. This applies to all formats across written, video, audio, and still imagery.

Integrity is imperative in establishing trust with our community. NewsBreak expects publishers and community organizations to provide transparent information to the public about who controls, owns, or provides significant funding to their operations and expects outlets or individuals to retain editorial independence from the influence of owners or funders. Publishers and contributors must be who they say they are.

NewsBreak expects publishers, contributors, community organizers, and all users to be accountable for all of the information they publish, including what they re-publish, aggregate, quote, or embed. NewsBreak expects publishers, contributors, or community organizations not to provide information for which they do not have the proper expertise. Publishers and contributors must be clear when something is an opinion.

NewsBreak believes in highlighting diverse voices, stories, opinions, and sources. We favor work that presents all relevant sides of a story and provides all necessary context. It is equally important that our contributors and partners do not draw false moral equivalencies where none exist.

Respectful discourse is the cornerstone of our communities. We seek to facilitate healthy debate within our community and showcase a variety of opinions in our editorial content. All editorial opinion pieces must be rooted in fact, labeled clearly, and not be intended to cause harm to groups or individuals.

We believe in doing what’s best for the communities we serve. We are an inclusive community for our neighbors to find credible information, share ideas and look out for one another. There is no place on the platform for hate speech or harassment. NewsBreak seeks to minimize harm to communities by prohibiting discriminatory, defamatory, harassing, or derogatory language, especially behavior intended to threaten violence or incite violence or discrimination against an individual or a group based on race, ethnicity, age, color, caste, national origin, immigration status, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental illness, disability, serious medical condition, socioeconomic class, or veteran status.

NewsBreak is a space where people come together to find credible and relevant information and share their thoughts on it. We aim to make this space safe and trustworthy so people can deepen their ties to their communities and foster a greater sense of belonging. The following guidelines were developed to help foster an authentic, healthy and safe environment for NewsBreak users.

We expect all content posted to NewsBreak to adhere to the following content policies. The examples below are illustrative and are not all-inclusive. Although your activity may not violate one policy, when called to our attention, we apply all of our policies to make a decision. Content and activity restrictions may apply to all content, including but not limited to imagery, video, text, graphic description, links to other sites or apps, comments, profiles, and embedded content.

Publishers and contributors must also adhere to the guidelines for their content categories. If we become aware that have you posted content that goes against these Guidelines, we’ll remove it and give you a violation. In some situations, such as if someone were to upload child sexual exploitation content on NewsBreak, we will disable your account after just one occurrence. If you receive multiple violations, NewsBreak may take further action, including disabling your account. We do not allow:

Nothing in these guidelines is intended to prohibit journalistic coverage of newsworthy events, or fact-based and informed analysis, commentary, or opinion of newsworthy events.

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NewsBreak connects and empowers local audiences, contributors and businesses with the goal of helping people everywhere live safer, more vibrant, more truly-connected lives. Our contributors are a big part of our effort to inform and inspire communities by providing them with credible and trustworthy information about the world around them.

Because we place a premium on quality, NewsBreak requires each contributor to comply with Editorial Standards and Guidelines in order to ensure the safety of our community. 

There are three levels of contributors on NewsBreak (Learn more here):

Our Contributor Editorial Standards & Guidelines apply to all contributors on NewsBreak. Failure to comply with the guidelines listed here may result in disciplinary action including decreased distribution or removal from the platform.

‍Accuracy & Fact-Checking

NewsBreak takes the accuracy of the content on its platform seriously. NewsBreak prohibits contributors from publishing rumor, hearsay, or unvetted or unverified information. Attempts to introduce misinformation or disinformation are grounds for account termination. The introduction of provably false information into stories is also grounds for account termination.

All contributors are responsible for fact-checking their stories. Our internal editorial team may remove stories that do not appear to be properly fact-checked.

Fabrication of information is strictly prohibited on NewsBreak. False information presented as fact will result in immediate removal from the platform. 

The use of clickbait by contributors is prohibited. NewsBreak defines clickbait as a headline or photo that deliberately teases, misleads or omits key information in order to elicit clicks or where the headline does not accurately represent the article’s content.

Fairness

All Contributors should strive for truth and accuracy. It is important to present all relevant sides of a story. Contributors should not intentionally omit information that provides vital context to the story. Similarly, it’s also important not to draw a false moral equivalency where none exists. 

Contributors should only refer to the race, gender, or sexuality of an individual if it is relevant to the story.

Specifically for Journalist Contributors or those doing reporting in their pieces, a reasonable amount of time must be allowed for comment from organizations, officials and/or individuals mentioned in a story before publication.

When it comes to reporting on crime, Contributors must not name a suspect or person of interest unless they are formally charged with a crime. An exception to this rule is if the person in question is named by police because she is a fugitive and considered dangerous.

NewsBreak does not publish mugshots of suspects unless they have been charged and may remove any articles published that contain them..

If charges against a suspect have been dismissed, NewsBreak will consider removing or updating stories on a case-by-case basis. We will also consider requests for removal of stories involving misdemeanors in which suspects are named on a case-by-case basis where the story does not contribute to discourse.

Attribution

Contributors must attribute all facts that reasonably could be challenged (in other words, are not well understood common knowledge). This includes information received first-hand from police, politicians, officials, victims, or any other entity providing the information.

If a Contributor is quoting from a document (such as an email or a press release), the contributor should indicate so. Original reporting is preferred, but when citing others’ work, Contributors must attribute to the original source unless that source itself lacks credibility.  Contributors should not report information received from a source that lacks credibility without first independently verifying the facts reported.

When referencing other reporting, it must be hyperlinked and video, tweets, posts, and photos should be embedded unless those sources are not credible. For help with how to evaluate the credibility of a source, refer to this Poynter source evaluation guide. 

The use of unnamed sources in all storytelling is allowed only when there are two unattributed sources who corroborate the same information. Granting unnamed sources confidential status requires approval of the content team. 

In a non-news context, such as advice or relationship columns, Contributors who are recounting experiences of others must never present the experience as their own. 

Contributors must accurately quote individuals, sources and/or documents and never take words or actions out of context. Where quotes have been shortened for length, Contributors should indicate that’s the case by using an ellipses.

Impartiality

The role of a Journalist Contributor is to remain impartial. Journalist Contributors should seek to avoid bias in their storytelling, reflecting all relevant sides and not favoring any one side in particular.

The Impartiality policy does not apply to Contributors who were brought onto the platform specifically to offer their opinions on local happenings, politics, restaurants, etc. (as long as their content is labeled as such). But Journalists, in particular, should refrain from political or social commentary unless they have been expressly invited or approved to write commentary. If they are approved, such content must be clearly labeled as opinion or commentary.

Prior Review from Sources

We prohibit Contributors from sending stories to sources for approval prior to their publication, except in the cases of Sponsored content which must be clearly labeled. In some cases we’ll recognize as appropriate, a source may ask to see a copy of her quotes or a journalist may want to send an excerpt to a source to ensure accuracy. However, sources should never get final sign-off on or approval of a piece before it is published.

Labeling

Pieces that express opinion or are satirical in nature must have "Opinion:" or "Satire:" at the beginning of the headline. This also applies to other disclaimers that might be needed at the beginning of certain posts.

Language

Written and video posts must be written/produced in legible, intelligible English. Poor grammar and/or syntax is not permitted.

NewsBreak does not allow Contributors to publish fictional content, this includes poems and song lyrics. Exceptions are made for editorial coverage of newsworthy excerpts.

Contributors are prohibited from publishing media that is altered with the intent to confuse, harm, or mislead. Media may not be edited in a way that changes its meaning or provides false context that could confuse the audience.

For example, Contributors may edit media to improve technical quality for color correction or to add graphics in post-production. Editorial manipulation of videos to deliberately mischaracterize an event or subject is strictly prohibited.

All editing of photos must be done in service of restoring their accuracy. Cropping and small adjustments to tone and color density are acceptable as long as it doesn’t alter the meaning of the photo. For example, cropping an individual out of a photo to intentionally be misleading is prohibited.

NewsBreak also prohibits the use of video captured secretly with malicious intent or in any manner that violates the law. This includes, but is not limited to, filming someone without their permission in an embarrassing or inappropriate environment where a reasonable expectation of privacy is held. Unless that footage violates state law, surveillance video or doorbell camera footage does not fall within this category.

Deep fakes (synthetic media manipulated to replace the person in the original video with someone else) are prohibited unless the deep fake is the subject of the story itself and clearly labeled as such for the audience.

Contributors who airbrush beyond recognition or manipulate the content of an image must indicate that it is a composite image or graphic in its caption.

In photos or videos relating to crimes, Contributors must blur the faces of minors unless the child’s photo has been released by law enforcement to assist in investigation of the crime or Contributors obtain the parents’ permission. We also ask Contributors blur faces of alleged victims in certain circumstances such as stories about sexual assault where the accuser wishes to remain anonymous.

Conflicts of Interest 

Contributors should avoid even the appearance of conflicts of interest to preserve the integrity of their storytelling and the credibility of the platform.

Contributors should avoid reporting on friends or family unless it is essential to the telling of a story. In such cases, these ties must be disclosed at the top of the story.Contributors should not accept gifts from sources of coverage and if they do, must disclose that conflict of interest in accordance with NewsBreak’s promotions policies.

For Contributors who receive goods or services to review them or receive any other form of compensation in exchange for a review, they must disclose that they have received compensation at the top of the post

Contributors should refrain from covering subject matter from which they would directly benefit. If unavoidable, the conflict must be cited at the top of the story.

Contributors covering the stock market should be mindful of securities laws. For example, if a Contributor writes about a stock with the intention to inflate the price and sell the stock afterward, it could be considered fraud or insider trading. Contributors may not have any other financial interest in a company, enterprise, or industry that may be likely to figure in coverage that they provide.

The penalties for not complying with these Standards and Guidelines can result in penalties and may lead to account suspension or removal from the platform.

Thank you for helping to make the NewsBreak community a safe and healthy environment!

NewsBreak permits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create content provided the contributor discloses the use of such tools. The disclosure must be made at the top of a written story and within the caption of a video. Proper disclosure means a clear and straight forward description, such as: This post includes content written by AI or This post was written entirely by AI.

As a NewsBreak contributor, you are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of any content you submit, including content created with the help of AI. We understand that AI can be a useful tool for creating content, but it is important to remember that it is not error-free.

NewsBreak connects and empowers local audiences, contributors and businesses with the goal of helping people everywhere live safer, more vibrant, more truly-connected lives. We provide communities access to accurate information so they can make important decisions about their lives. Professional editorial outlets, especially local outlets focused on original reporting and cultural coverage, are an essential part of the NewsBreak ecosystem. Publishers provide a multiplicity of voices, stories, and perspectives. NewsBreak places a premium on quality and seeks to feature reputable outlets of all sizes and from all communities in the markets in which we operate.

These Standards and Guidelines apply to all Publishers on NewsBreak. Failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to disciplinary action such as restricting distribution and/or up-to and including removal from the platform. Publisher’s content may be removed if they do not comply with these policies.

All of these policies and guidelines are non-exhaustive, and NewsBreak reserves the right to remove content or profiles at any time.

To be distributed on NewsBreak as a publisher, you must:

All publishers on NewsBreak must adhere to the Shared Community Guidelines, as well as the following, Publisher-specific guidelines:

NewsBreak believes in highlighting diverse voices, stories, opinions, and sources. We favor work that presents all relevant sides of a story and provides the necessary context. It is equally important that our partner publishers do not draw false moral equivalencies where none exist.

NewsBreak believes in facilitating healthy debate on the platform by showcasing opinion content. Such content is labeled as opinion when it appears and should always be grounded in fact. Where an entire outlet, publication, or channel is rooted in a subjective point of view, all content coming from that outlet is considered opinion.

Excessive bias that distorts or misrepresents is not allowed.

NewsBreak prioritizes original reporting and prohibits plagiarism of any kind. When work comes from a third party, either open-source use or is licensed, it must be properly credited, and the origin must be clear to the user at all points.

Official announcements or press releases must be framed as such, with the originating organization clearly written. NewsBreak prioritizes original reporting over such aggregation in terms of how content is amplified and distributed.

NewsBreak seeks to create a trustworthy ecosystem for its users by providing content from sources that are credible, that have proven expertise, and that are accountable for what they provide. Content designed to mislead is not permitted.

In order to establish credibility and accountability, all content on NewsBreak must have the contributor clearly stated, via byline or credits. Where content is created by an entity vs an individual, or is anonymous, there must be discoverable policies explaining this choice from the originating outlet.

Sponsored, branded, promotional, and affiliated content (defined below) is allowed on NewsBreak only if the relationship is disclosed and it does not violate any other community guidelines, policies or terms of use. We do not allow content that conceals or misrepresents sponsored content as editorial content. Sponsorship, including, but not limited to, ownership or affiliate interests, payment, or material support, should be clearly disclosed to users. You must also comply with all applicable laws and regulations, which vary by jurisdiction.

Outlets that are entirely commercial in nature, such as the websites of brands, stores, or professional services are not allowed as publishers or contributors on NewsBreak even if they have an editorial feed. Publishers whose sole purpose is to sell a commercial service they provide (e.g. travel bookings, financial services, real estate) are not allowed. Marketplaces and listings may be acceptable under the Community Resources & Listings section of NewsBreak. 

Sponsored, branded or promotional content is any content in which the content producer has a material connection with the brand. A material connection includes any personal, family, or employment relationship or a financial relationship – such as the brand paying you or giving you free or discounted products or services.

Any promotional links should not be excessive or distracting for the user. It is recommended that even if your post is promotional, a majority of the content is not and the content should still provide value to the user. If video content is branded, it should be disclosed at the outset of the video.

This policy applies to any content on our Platform, including verbal statements, demonstrations, or depictions of a name, signature, or likeness.

Contributors, Publishers, and Community Organizations should refrain from excessive use of obscene, profane, or vulgar language that may be inappropriate for audiences under 18 years old. This includes:

Exceptions are made for editorial coverage of newsworthy events, where the obscenity, profanity, or vulgarity is appropriately self-moderated.

Content on NewsBreak must be legible, understandable, and easily viewable by the majority of users. Content must also be in one of our supported languages.

For anyone posting as a contributor, publisher, or official organization, posts cannot have excessive grammatical or typographical errors that would make the reader question the validity of the published content. NewsBreak prefers publisher or contributor content that meets or exceeds the following guidelines.

All content on NewsBreak should be primarily focused on the subject indicated by the headline or title. Clickbait is discouraged, as is overly promotional content, or content that encourages inflated accidental clicks.

NewsBreak connects and empowers local audiences, contributors and businesses with the goal of helping people everywhere live safer, more vibrant, more truly-connected lives. We provide communities access to accurate information so they can make important decisions about their lives. To provide communities with as much information as possible, NewsBreak offers community resources, such as local listings and updates from government websites.

Such offerings are only accessible in clearly demarcated portions of the NewsBreak experience and are clearly labeled to differentiate from reporting by professional journalism outlets or the Contributor Network.

All sources of listings and community resources are expected to adhere to the NewsBreak tenets, and must meet the standards of their respective industries. If your site also contains a forum, or community-generated information, we expect you to be accountable for that material to meet NewsBreak’s standards as well.

Almost all of the above NewsBreak Policies are also applicable to all content covered by these Guidelines with some exceptions. If you have any questions, please contact your NewsBreak representative.

NewsBreak accepts these types of sites in this category:

Style Guidelines for Community Organizations

Content on NewsBreak must be legible, understandable, and easily viewable by most users. Content must also be in one of our supported languages.

For anyone posting as a Contributor, Publisher, or official organization, posts cannot have excessive grammatical or typographical errors that would make the reader question the validity of the published content.

All informative posts on NewsBreak should be primarily focused on the subject indicated by the post title. Clickbait is discouraged, as is overly promotional content, or content that encourages inflated accidental clicks.