Bellingham Metro News Mission & Editorial Standards
Bellingham Metro News (BMN) is committed to providing accurate, fair, and independent journalism to the residents of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the surrounding region. Our reporting is guided by the principles of truth, transparency, accountability, and public service.
We follow the ethical standards established by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and strive to serve the community with integrity. The following policies outline the standards expected of our journalists, editors, contributors, and affiliated staff members.
Accuracy & Verification
Our responsibility is to report information as accurately and responsibly as possible. We verify facts, cross-check sources, and provide context to help readers fully understand the stories we cover.
Fact-Checking
Bellingham Metro News does not knowingly publish rumors, false information, or unverified claims. Information must be confirmed through reliable sources, official documents, direct observation, or other credible verification methods before publication. If certain details cannot be independently verified, BMN will clearly disclose that to readers.
Context & Clarity
We aim to provide complete and balanced reporting. Omitting important context can mislead readers just as much as inaccurate reporting. Whenever possible, we provide background information and additional details that help explain the broader situation surrounding a story.
Corrections Policy
When an error occurs, we correct it promptly and transparently. Significant corrections or updates may include an editor’s note explaining what information was changed and when the update was made.
Editorial Independence & Conflicts of Interest
Bellingham Metro News maintains strict editorial independence. News coverage is not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, political organizations, or personal interests.
Advertising & Sponsored Content
Advertisers and sponsors do not influence newsroom decisions, story assignments, or editorial content. Sponsored content, paid promotions, political advertisements, or advertorial material will be clearly labeled to distinguish it from independent news reporting.
Conflicts of Interest
Journalists, contributors, and staff members are expected to disclose any personal, financial, business, or political relationships that could create a conflict of interest or compromise objectivity. When necessary, individuals may be removed from coverage involving those matters.
Gifts & Special Treatment
BMN staff members do not accept gifts, free travel, or special favors from individuals, businesses, organizations, or sources we cover when doing so could create the appearance of bias or influence.
Fairness & Impartiality
We strive to report fairly and responsibly while giving relevant parties an opportunity to respond.
Right of Reply
When reporting on allegations, disputes, investigations, or controversial matters, BMN makes a reasonable effort to contact the individuals or organizations involved for comment prior to publication.
News vs. Opinion
News reporting, opinion content, commentary, and analysis are clearly separated whenever possible. Opinion articles or editorials will be identified so readers understand they reflect viewpoints rather than straight news reporting.
Privacy & Sensitivity
While we pursue stories in the public interest, we also recognize the importance of privacy and human dignity. We exercise caution when covering minors, victims of crimes, traumatic events, or individuals unexpectedly placed in the public spotlight.
Sourcing & Attribution
Transparency regarding sources and information is essential to building public trust.
On-the-Record Sources
Whenever possible, BMN prefers sources to speak on the record. Anonymous sources may only be used when the information is considered important to the public interest and the source could face harm, retaliation, or professional consequences if identified.
Attribution & Original Reporting
We clearly attribute quotes, information, data, images, and reporting to their original sources. Bellingham Metro News does not tolerate plagiarism. When referencing or summarizing reporting from other news organizations, proper credit will be provided.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Bellingham Metro News recognizes the growing role of technology in journalism while maintaining human editorial oversight and responsibility.
AI as a Support Tool
AI tools may occasionally assist with tasks such as research, transcription, summarizing public records, organizing information, or generating initial formatting and outlines.
Human Editorial Oversight
All published content is reviewed, edited, and approved by a human editor, journalist, or authorized BMN staff member. BMN remains fully responsible for the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of all published material regardless of whether AI-assisted tools were involved during production.
AI-Generated Images & Graphics
If AI-generated illustrations or conceptual graphics are used, they will be clearly labeled when appropriate. BMN does not use AI to manipulate news photographs in ways that intentionally misrepresent real events or factual situations.
Community Engagement & Accountability
Bellingham Metro News is accountable to the community it serves. We welcome reader feedback, criticism, corrections, and dialogue.
Reader Feedback
Readers are encouraged to contact BMN with story ideas, correction requests, concerns, or additional information related to our coverage.
Policy Updates
As journalism standards and digital media practices evolve, these editorial standards and policies may be updated periodically to reflect industry best practices and operational changes.
If you believe Bellingham Metro News has fallen short of these standards, or if you would like to request a correction or clarification, please contact our editorial team directly.
These policies are subject to change without notice.
