Editorial Standards

  1. Facts first. We separate verified facts from framing and opinion.
  2. Primary sources first: official documents, court filings, government data, transcripts and recordings, all linked in the show notes.
  3. Two-source rule. A claim that doesn't come from a primary document needs two independent credible sources. If only one partisan outlet reports something, we say so or leave it out.
  4. Side by side. For the top story we name at least two left-leaning, two right-leaning and one center or wire outlet, using AllSides and Ad Fontes Media ratings as references.
  5. Labels out loud. We say "analysis," "opinion" and "unconfirmed" on air.
  6. Neutral language. Every script gets a pass to remove loaded words.
  7. Balance audit. Each month we publish a tally of the left, center and right outlets we cited.
  8. Our own words. We summarize and attribute, quote only short phrases, and link to the original. We never read other outlets' articles on air.
  9. Private people. We avoid naming private individuals unless it's essential and well sourced.
  10. Independence. Funders and sponsors have no say in coverage. We take no political ads.
  11. Two-person fact check. A co-host checks every name, number, date and quote against its source before we record.