twi5ted news

Editorial Standards

twi5ted.com is committed to accurate and aggressive reporting presented in a way that engages our thousands of daily digital readers.

We offer a common-sense perspective on issues and politics, giving fair time to newsmakers and viewpoints often ignored by other media.

We aim to be first, but not at the expense of being right. Every fact is checked for accuracy and our editors and producers review stories for balance and fairness before publication.

We put a premium on investigative, enterprise, exclusive and unique reporting.

The news team offers comprehensive and deeply researched coverage, utilizing every available resource and journalistic tool. We base our reports, whenever possible, on original interviews, observation, court documents, government data, information gleaned via federal and state Freedom of Information requests, police and official reports, and on-site reporting.

If and when our stories necessitate reporting by outside news organizations, we employ authoritative newswire agencies and cite these sources. When using outside media sources, we undertake to independently check facts and seek interviews with subjects.

Our network’s journalists use on-the-record interviews whenever possible, but when relying on confidential sources, will endeavor to protect confidentiality particularly when the source fears retaliation.

We never pay sources, tipsters, whistle-blowers, government officials, witnesses or subjects for interviews or information.

Our network employs professional journalists, carefully vetted for education, experience and excellence.

We provide regular journalism ethics training to our reporters, editors and producers. In addition, employees complete training seminars in the areas of anti-harassment and -discrimination, anti-corruption and -bribery; cybersecurity; consumer and data privacy; anti-trust; government compliance; standards of business conduct.

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to write content.

We employ our own videographers, photo editors and web producers. When publishing outside images, we endeavor to license videos and stills from only trustworthy and authenticated sources and to adhere to all copyright laws and fair-use guidelines.

Anyone who wishes to file a request for a correction or clarification can contact the newsroom at 563-521-1224. The determination whether to correct or clarify is made by the editorial team.

News content is not influenced by advertisers, sponsors or external parties. We are committed to editorial independence and impartiality, free from outside influence.

We label editorials, columns, commentary and sponsored content as such, clearly differentiating them from news coverage. Op-ed pieces must meet the highest standards of accuracy.

We are twi5ted Inc.: Our mission is to inform, with style and flair. We take strong stands. We write provocative and sometimes hilarious headlines. We do not shy away from controversy, nor do we equivocate. We always tell it like it is.