Editorial Policy & Code of Ethics

Editorial Policy

Header image generated by AI

By Peter C. Frank | Editor-in-Chief
BLOOMFIELD, CT — April 29, 2026

The Bloomfield Community Dispatch is an independent, non-partisan news organization dedicated to serving the residents of Bloomfield, Connecticut. While our foundational ethical principles and accountability standards are strictly governed by our Journalistic Ethics and Practices, the following outlines our day-to-day operational and editorial policies regarding content generation, multimedia, and community engagement.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Multimedia Integration

We leverage advanced digital architecture to streamline our news desk, ensuring faster and more comprehensive reporting for our community.

• AI as an Editorial Assistant: We utilize AI to organize notes, parse complex municipal audits, and edit drafts for style and grammar. AI is never used to write final articles, conduct original reporting, or simulate quotes.
• Satirical and Generated Imagery: We frequently employ generative AI to create political cartoons and satirical header images. All standalone AI-generated imagery is explicitly credited and labeled within the article or caption.
• Audio and Video Content: Multimedia produced by the Dispatch may utilize AI for audio filtering, transcription, and subtitling to enhance accessibility and processing speed.

2. Community Submissions and Op-Eds

We welcome community intelligence and submitted content, including letters to the editor, guest columns, and video documentation. However, all external submissions are subject to rigorous editorial review. Submitted content will be processed through our style-guide matrices and vetted for potential legal and journalistic liabilities prior to publication. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length, clarity, and factual accuracy.

3. Respect for Privacy and Dignity

While we are aggressive in holding municipal power accountable, we respect the dignity of private citizens. We maintain a strict editorial distinction between public officials acting in an official capacity and private individuals. We exercise compassion and restraint when our coverage intersects with those affected by tragedy, crime, or personal hardship.

4. Advertising and Revenue

To sustain our independent infrastructure, the Dispatch utilizes automated advertising networks and accepts community subscriptions. To protect our editorial independence, we do not accept sponsored content or direct payments in exchange for news coverage, nor do we allow advertisers, donors, or political entities to dictate or preview our reporting.

5. Social Media and Community Engagement

Our digital platforms are extensions of our newsroom. We encourage robust, fact-based public discourse regarding municipal affairs. We reserve the right to moderate or remove comments that contain unverified rumors, deliberate misinformation, doxxing, or harassment directed at municipal employees, public officials, or fellow residents.