Editorial Policy

At South Bend Community News Portal, our goal is to share accurate, trustworthy, and relevant information with the community. We follow clear editorial standards to make sure every story we publish reflects integrity, fairness, and transparency. Below are the guiding principles behind our work:

1. Accuracy and Reliability

We work hard to provide news that is factual, well-researched, and up to date. Our team takes time to check sources and verify details before publishing. While no system is perfect, we make every effort to ensure our reporting reflects the best available information at the time.

2. Independence and Integrity

South Bend Community News Portal operates fully independently. No advertisers, sponsors, or outside groups influence what we write. Editorial choices are made only with our readers in mind, and we remain committed to ethical and responsible journalism.

3. Objectivity and Balance

We aim to present issues fairly and from multiple perspectives. While expert voices and analysis may appear in our stories, we strive to represent diverse viewpoints so readers can form their own informed opinions.

4. Transparency

We believe in being open about how we report. When possible, we clearly identify our sources and share any conflicts of interest. If something needs correction or updating, we address it quickly and make sure readers can see the changes.

5. Focus on Relevance and Impact

Our reporting highlights what matters most to the people of South Bend. From schools and education to community life and financial updates, we prioritize topics that directly affect residents. Our goal is to provide useful insights that help readers understand issues and make informed choices.

6. Respect for Privacy and Confidentiality

We respect the privacy of individuals and organizations. Personal information is never published without consent unless it serves the public interest and is legally appropriate. When covering sensitive issues, we handle them with extra care and responsibility.

7. Clear and Accessible Language

We write with our community in mind. Articles are presented in plain, straightforward language—avoiding unnecessary jargon—so that everyone can stay informed, regardless of background or expertise.

8. No Plagiarism

Everything we publish is original or properly credited to its source. Plagiarism is not accepted under any circumstances. When outside material is used, we make sure it is cited and acknowledged appropriately.

9. Ethical Standards

Our editorial team follows strong ethical principles. We avoid sensationalism, bias, or conflicts of interest in our reporting. Every story is written with fairness and respect for the people and issues we cover.

10. Feedback and Accountability

We welcome input from our readers and value community feedback. If we make a mistake, we take responsibility and correct it as quickly as possible. Accountability is a core part of how we work, and we want readers to feel confident in the information we share.