Trust and independence
Editorial independence
Financial support, business relationships and access to sources do not give an outside party authority over what CYS covers or the conclusions it reaches. Because CYS is currently a small publication, independence also depends on direct disclosure and recusal when a conflict cannot be managed fairly.
Conflicts of interest
Any financial, family, political, professional or personal relationship that could materially affect coverage should be disclosed to readers. When a conflict is substantial, CYS should assign the work elsewhere, obtain independent review or decline the coverage.
Gifts and special treatment
CYS should not accept gifts, travel, services or benefits intended to influence coverage. Items of more than nominal value should be declined or disclosed when refusal is impractical.
Political activity
CYS does not endorse candidates or political parties. Anyone publishing straight news for CYS should avoid political activity that would reasonably call the fairness of that reporting into question. Personal civic participation does not excuse biased or unsupported coverage.
Advertising, sponsorships and reader support
Sponsored or paid material must be clearly labeled. Advertisers, sponsors and donors do not receive favorable coverage, advance approval of editorial work or the ability to suppress coverage. Reader contributions do not purchase influence.
Sources and editorial pressure
Sources may review their own quotations or technical facts when accuracy requires it, but they do not receive prepublication approval of a story. CYS will disclose meaningful attempts to pressure, condition or retaliate against independent reporting when that pressure is relevant to readers.
Accountability
CYS remains responsible for everything it publishes, including work assisted by technology or outside contributors. Questions about this policy may be sent to in**@************te.com.
