CapitolCityNow.com’s Promise: Our Ethics Policy

At CapitolCityNow.com, trust is at the center of everything we do. Our ethics policy guides our editors, reporters, and newsroom team, and shapes how we work with our colleagues at Capitol Media Group and its radio stations.

Report with Honesty and Fairness

We promise to:

  • Strive for accuracy, correcting mistakes quickly and clearly when they occur. Significant corrections will be labeled directly on the original article.
  • Share verified information, never rumors, and rely on original sources whenever possible.
  • Identify our sources, so you know where information comes from.
  • Use anonymous sources when absolutely necessary, and only when it is critical to serve the public. When we do, we will explain why.
  • Seek out and represent multiple perspectives, regardless of opinion.
  • Use ethical, transparent reporting methods — you’ll always know when you’re being quoted.
  • Label opinion or commentary so readers can distinguish facts from personal views.
  • Be transparent about authorship, identifying the writer of each article. When AI tools are used in reporting or production, we will disclose that use. You can read our full AI policy by CLICKING HERE.
  • Never present someone else’s work as our own. If we use reporting from another outlet, we will credit it.

Minimize Harm

We promise to:

  • Balance the public’s right to know with the potential harm of publishing sensitive information, avoiding content that serves only “lurid curiosity.”
  • Exercise sensitivity when reporting on crime victims, juveniles, and survivors.
  • Show care when covering private citizens who are not accustomed to public attention, while holding public figures and officials to appropriate scrutiny.
  • Consider the long-term impact of reporting criminal charges and update stories when cases are finalized.
  • Avoid altering photos, video, or audio in ways that could mislead. When stock or illustrative images are used, we will clearly label them.
  • Strive to represent diverse voices and perspectives that reflect the community we serve.

Act Independently

We promise to:

  • Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any that cannot be avoided.
  • Remain politically neutral — our staff will not run for office, campaign, sign petitions, display political signs, or post political endorsements.
  • Keep editorial decisions independent of advertisers, sponsors, and business partners.
  • Clearly distinguish news content from advertising and label sponsored content so it is obvious to readers.
  • Refusing gifts, favors, or special treatment that could compromise our independence.

Accountability to Readers

We promise to:

  • Be open to questions, feedback, and concerns from our audience.
  • Provide a clear way to request corrections or clarifications by contacting us at (217) 753-5400, or news@capitolcitynow.com.

(Updated: 9/29/25)