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Wall Street Economicists

Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: February 2025

Editorial Guidelines

Wall Street Economicists is committed to the highest standards of financial journalism. These guidelines govern our reporting, writing, and editorial processes to ensure accuracy, fairness, and ethical journalism that serves our readers.

Core Principles

Accuracy and Verification

  • Fact-checking: Every factual claim must be verified through at least two independent sources before publication
  • Quotes: All quotes must be accurate and used in proper context. We do not alter quotes except for clarity, and any such changes must be clearly indicated
  • Corrections: When errors occur, we correct them promptly and transparently, noting the correction at the top of the article
  • Source attribution: We clearly identify the source of all information and distinguish between firsthand reporting and information obtained from other sources

Independence and Integrity

  • Editorial independence: Our editorial decisions are made independently of commercial, political, or other external pressures
  • Conflicts of interest: Journalists must disclose any potential conflicts of interest to editors and, when relevant, to readers
  • Sponsored content: Advertising and sponsored content must be clearly labeled and kept separate from editorial content
  • Gifts and favors: Staff members may not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from sources or subjects of coverage

Fairness and Balance

  • Multiple perspectives: Stories on controversial topics must include diverse viewpoints and give subjects of critical coverage an opportunity to respond
  • Context: We provide sufficient context for readers to understand the significance and implications of events and issues
  • Avoiding bias: While we embrace diverse perspectives in opinion and analysis pieces, news reporting must be fair and free from political, ideological, or personal bias

Financial Disclosure

  • Personal investments: Journalists must disclose any financial holdings that could affect their coverage
  • Trading restrictions: Staff may not trade securities they are actively covering
  • Market sensitivity: We are mindful of the market impact of our reporting and ensure accuracy before publication

Use of AI and Technology

  • AI assistance: Artificial intelligence tools may be used to assist with research, editing, and content generation, but all content must be reviewed and verified by human editors
  • Disclosure: Significant use of AI in content creation or newsgathering must be disclosed to readers
  • Human oversight: Final editorial decisions and fact-checking remain the responsibility of human journalists
  • Transparency: We are transparent about our use of technology in the newsgathering and publishing process

Accountability

To Our Readers

  • Transparency: We explain our processes and decisions when readers have questions
  • Reader feedback: We welcome and respond to reader feedback and concerns
  • Complaints: Formal complaints are reviewed by senior editors and addressed promptly

These guidelines are living principles that evolve with our journalism. Questions about these guidelines should be directed to our editorial leadership.