Editorial Independence

Editorial independence as it relates to financial support

To maintain both our integrity as a news outlet and our financial transparency, Street Roots upholds a firewall between news coverage decisions and sources of revenue.

Funders and advertisers of Street Roots will have no control over Street Roots editorial decisions. Likewise, members of the Board of Directors, as a fiduciary body, do not have any authority to direct editorial content.

Street Roots recognizes the need for soliciting funding on multiple levels: general investigative journalism, areas of particular interest, and for specific projects. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of the funders or their products, services or opinions. Street Roots will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content, or of distribution of editorial content.

Street Roots will seek and accept gifts, grants and sponsorships from individuals and organizations in any amount for the general support of the organization’s activities. Street Roots’ acceptance of support precludes any voice on the donor’s part in editorial decisions beyond the broadly stated mission of investigative journalism.

Street Roots will establish a limited number of funds to support investigations in specific areas of public importance, such as the environment, education, or governmental integrity. In each case, funding will be accepted on the basis that the donations are made in response to the priorities of Street Roots, rather than to compel Street Roots to respond to the agenda of others.

Street Roots will consider gifts or grants to support particular investigative projects. Street Roots exercises close scrutiny when deciding who can fund, sponsor, or otherwise underwrite ongoing news coverage. Street Roots is especially cautious with respect to potential funders whose principal purpose or agenda is to bring about a specific political outcome or to influence public policy or public opinion on controversial matters that are the current subjects of its ongoing coverage. This policy applies specifically to news coverage. Commentaries, written by representatives of independent interests, are welcome and are allowed to have such opinions.

All funds are transferred to Street Roots prior to the start of investigative coverage and are not refundable, except where applicable under specific contractual agreements.

Editorial independence and advocacy

Street Roots’ advocacy efforts are integral to the organization’s work and guide many of its operations with the exception of the editorial department. As with various financial commitments, in order to preserve journalistic independence, Street Roots’ editorial department is not under the direction of the organization’s advocacy efforts.

Endorsements of ballot measures: Street Roots endorsements of ballot measures are overseen by the Executive Director and Editor in Chief. Both the Executive Director and Editor in Chief will work with representatives from the organization to make these decisions.

Endorsement of candidates: As a 501(c)3 organization, Street Roots is prohibited from endorsing candidates for public office. Street Roots Executive Director and Editor in Chief have agreed in good faith to not endorse any political candidates.