Editorial Guidelines & Ethics

Effective Date: October 3, 2026

Publisher: McCurtain County Government Transparency, Media LLC

Website: mccurtaincountygovernment.com

McCurtain County News is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of nonpartisan investigative reporting, legal transparency, and community journalism across McCurtain County, Oklahoma. We adhere strictly to the Associated Press (AP) Statement of News Values and Principles.

1. Accuracy & Verification

• Primary Sources: Our news reporting relies on verified documentation, court filings, county commission transcripts, and official Oklahoma state statutes rather than second-hand accounts or unverified rumors.

• Fact-Checking: Every story undergoes rigorous editorial review before publication. Claims made by public officials or entities are cross-referenced with public records.

2. Source Confidentiality & Shield Standards

• Anonymous Sources: We only grant anonymity to sources when there is a clear threat of retaliation, legal jeopardy, or severe personal harm, and the information is critical to public interest.

• Whistleblower Protection: In accordance with journalistic privilege and Oklahoma shield law principles, we protect the identity of confidential sources who communicate with our newsroom via tipdesk@mccurtaincountygovernment.com.

3. Editorial Independence & Conflicts of Interest

• Non-Interference: Advertisers, financial sponsors, and political entities hold zero review or influence over our newsroom’s coverage, story selection, or investigative leads.

• Staff Conduct: Journalists and contributors for McCurtain County News must remain free from personal, political, or financial conflicts of interest that could compromise editorial integrity.

4. Corrections & Retractions Policy

We believe in complete transparency when errors occur.

• Minor Corrections: Typographical or non-substantive errors are corrected immediately upon discovery.

• Substantive Corrections: Factual errors regarding dates, names, or core reporting details are corrected with a prominent editor’s note added to the article detailing what was changed and why.

• Submitting a Correction: Readers can submit formal correction requests directly to corrections@mccurtaincountygovernment.com.

5. Contact the Newsroom

• Editor & Publisher: Cristal Joslin (mccurtaincountynews@gmail.com)

• News Desk: newsroom@mccurtaincountygovernment.com

• Mailing Address: McCurtain County Government Transparency, Media LLC, Hochatown, OK 74728