Trust begins with work readers can inspect. These principles guide reporting, editing, presentation and corrections at Hourly Times.
Accuracy first
Material facts should be verified before publication. Reporters should use primary documents, direct observation and on-the-record sources whenever possible. Headlines, photographs, captions, charts and social posts must accurately reflect the underlying reporting.
Sourcing and attribution
We identify sources clearly unless anonymity is necessary to obtain information in the public interest. Anonymous claims require additional scrutiny, and readers should be told why a source was granted anonymity when doing so does not put the source at risk.
Fairness and right of reply
People and organizations facing meaningful criticism should receive a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication. Coverage should include relevant context and should not omit facts merely because they complicate a narrative.
Original work
Hourly Times does not publish copied or lightly rewritten articles. External reporting, data, images and ideas must be attributed. Aggregation must add meaningful reporting, verification, explanation or analysis.
Labels and independence
- News reports verified developments.
- Analysis interprets events using evidence and subject expertise.
- Opinion presents the author’s viewpoint.
- Sponsored and affiliate material is clearly labeled and kept separate from newsroom decisions.
Conflicts, AI and visual media
Contributors must disclose relevant conflicts. Generative AI may assist research or production only with human review; it must not invent sources, quotations, images presented as documentary evidence or facts. Materially altered visuals must be labeled.
Corrections
We correct substantive errors promptly and transparently under our Corrections Policy.