Editorial Policy

Last Updated February 28, 2024

Introduction

At Forth, our goal is to help people understand the world around them.

It is our hope that creating a trustworthy and credible platform built for and by journalists will help people better make sense of the world, elevate the great work of our colleagues and engage audiences across the country and beyond.

The journalists on Forth have been vetted and verified by our Editorial Team of trained journalists. When and if we decline an applicant, we provide feedback and an explanation as to why they were rejected. The goal is transparency through every part of the process.

We never direct journalists how or what to cover, and we welcome diverse perspectives and viewpoints; however, we insist on straight reporting and do not publish opinions or editorials.

We believe healthy dialogue starts with respect, and we want to cultivate an environment for our community where they can share ideas openly and honestly. As a result, we do not allow hate speech or bullying language on Forth unless it is a necessary element of the story itself.

The policies in this document are meant to be followed in conjunction with our Terms of Service.

NOTE: Please let us know if you see anything that runs afoul of the policy below by emailing [email protected].

If you’re a reporter working on something that may violate guidelines or is sensitive, feel free to reach out before publishing so we can help find a way forward.

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Fact-based reporting

Forth is home to fact-based reporting. Journalists who post on Forth are committed to objective, fact-based reporting.

  • We do not court opinions or editorials.
  • We believe it’s important to have a diverse range of fact-based perspectives so audiences can better understand the world around them.

Misinformation

We prohibit the posting of false information, misinformation and/or disinformation such as:

  • Unsubstantiated claims and/or allegations presented as fact such as claims of criminal activity and/or intent, illegal or unethical behavior.
  • Deep fakes or other manipulated media that is not identified as such.
  • Promotion of conspiracy theories, which can be defined as elevating an unsubstantiated or provably false theory or belief that a person or persons is behind a specific event.
  • Originating or spreading false or misleading information that could be harmful to society - e.g. posting content that undermines election integrity or promoting unsubstantiated medical claims.

Use of Generative AI

We require journalists to disclose the use of AI if a post contains content generated, fact-checked or otherwise materially shaped by AI. Reporters are responsible for the credibility of their posts on Forth. As a general matter, we believe transparency is key when it comes to implementing AI.

Corrections

Mistakes happen. And when they do, we want to be transparent about them. We ask journalists to publish a correction if they make an error that changes the nature of the story.

  • Not all changes to posts warrant a correction. However, whenever a change is made to a post (yes, you can edit posts!) we ask that you provide a reason for the update (e.g. - duplication, spelling error, etc) so we can be as transparent as possible with the audience.
  • If you think you have found an inaccuracy, please reach out to [email protected].

Harassment and Bullying

We prohibit bullying, threats or harassment of any kind, including but not limited to:

  • The posting of nonpublic personal information of an individual or individuals.

Threats, Violence & Gore

We prohibit content that promotes and/or glorifies violence and/or gore, including:

  • The posting of images, video or descriptions of gore and/or medical procedures intended to shock or disgust.
  • The posting of content that promotes and/or glorifies self-harm.

We ask that journalists provide a disclaimer ahead of any depictions or visualizations that are graphic in nature and do not fall into the above categories.

Dangerous and Illegal Content

We prohibit the glorification of content that promotes dangerous or illegal behavior, including:

  • Content that glorifies the exploitation or endangerment of children either physically or psychologically.
  • The posting of content that promotes criminal activity.
  • Content that details how to harm others and/or promotes harming others.
  • Promotion of illegal gambling, counterfeit goods or other illegal goods and services.

Terrorism and Hate Groups

We prohibit hate groups and/or terrorist organizations from publishing on Forth.

We do not allow discrimination or threats of violence against an individual based on race, ethnicity, age, color, caste, national origin, immigration status, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, serious medical condition, socioeconomic class or veteran status.

Sexually Explicit Content

We prohibit promotion of illegal sex work and pornographic content, including but not limited to:

  • Content posted with the intent to arouse and/or titillate.
  • Linking to sexually explicit sites.

Images or video of nudity in some instances such as in works of art or depictions of breastfeeding may be exceptions to this rule.

Intellectual Property

We prohibit the infringement of copyright, patent, trademark or any other proprietary content including but not limited to:

  • Spoofing any individual, account or otherwise misrepresenting yourself as someone else


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