Editorial Policy & Code of Ethics

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 Our Commitment to Bloomfield

The Bloomfield Community Dispatch is an independent, non-partisan news organization dedicated to serving the residents of Bloomfield, Connecticut. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is the foundation of a healthy democracy. To that end, our reporting is governed by the following core principles, modeled after the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

1. Seek Truth and Report It

Our primary loyalty is to the truth. We strive to be accurate, fair, and courageous in gathering and interpreting information.

  • Verification: We verify information before releasing it. We use original sources whenever possible.

  • Context: We do not misrepresent or oversimplify complex issues. We provide the context necessary for our readers to understand the subject matter.

  • Right of Reply: We diligently seek responses from the subjects of news coverage to allow them to respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing.

2. Independence & Transparency

The Dispatch is owned and operated locally. We are not a mouthpiece for any political party, town administration, or corporate interest.

  • Conflicts of Interest: We avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. If a conflict is unavoidable, it will be disclosed prominently to the reader.

  • No Pay-to-Play: We do not accept payment in exchange for news coverage. Sponsored content, if ever published, will be clearly labeled as "Advertisement" or "Sponsored."

3. Accountability & Corrections Policy

We recognize that errors may occur. Our measure as a professional organization is not that we are perfect, but how we handle our mistakes.

  • Corrections: If we publish a factual error, we will correct it promptly and transparently. We do not "stealth edit." A note will be appended to the bottom of the article indicating what was changed and when.

  • Clarifications: If an article is factually correct but lacks clarity or could be misleading, we will issue a clarification.

  • Submitting a Correction: Readers who believe they have identified an error should contact the Editorial Board immediately at [Insert Email Address].

4. Respect for Privacy & Dignity

While we are aggressive in holding public officials accountable, we respect the dignity of private citizens.

  • Public vs. Private: We distinguish between public officials acting in an official capacity and private individuals.

  • Compassion: We show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage, particularly victims of crime or tragedy.

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