Editorial Standards & Corrections

News Now Georgia is committed to fast, factual and responsible reporting in our Atlanta, Southeast Georgia, Augusta and Columbus coverage areas within Georgia. These standards explain how we gather, verify, label, update and correct our coverage.

Accuracy and verification

Accuracy comes before speed. We work to verify names, dates, locations, official actions, charges, public-safety information and other material facts before publication. Information may be confirmed through official records, direct observation, interviews, public statements, emergency communications or other credible sources.

When important facts remain unknown, we say so. We do not present rumors, assumptions or unverified social-media claims as established fact. Developing stories may change as authorities and other sources release additional information.

Sources and attribution

News Now Georgia identifies sources whenever practical. Official agencies, public documents, court records and named individuals are attributed in the article when their information is material to the report. Links to primary documents or official information may be included when they help readers verify or better understand the story.

Information from another news organization is independently confirmed whenever reasonably possible. We do not knowingly copy another outlet’s original reporting or present it as our own.

Anonymous sources

Anonymous sources are used sparingly and only when the information serves a clear public interest, the source has direct knowledge, and naming the source could create a legitimate risk. We seek additional confirmation before publishing material information supplied anonymously and explain why anonymity was granted when doing so would not expose the source.

Crime, courts and allegations

Arrests, indictments and criminal charges are allegations unless and until established in court. We attribute allegations to the appropriate agency, charging document or court record and distinguish an arrest from a conviction. We work to avoid language that exaggerates charges or implies facts beyond the available evidence.

When practical and relevant, we seek responses from people or organizations who are the subject of significant allegations. We may update reports as cases proceed or as additional verified information becomes available.

Corrections, clarifications and updates

We correct material factual errors promptly and transparently. A correction should identify what was inaccurate and provide the correct information. Clarifications are used when an article is factually accurate but could leave readers with a misleading or incomplete understanding. If an article’s central claims cannot be supported and a correction is insufficient, we retract the report and publish a dated notice explaining why. When possible, the original article URL will retain the retraction notice so readers can understand what changed.

• Routine additions may be reflected through an updated date or time.
• Material changes should include an update or correction note explaining what changed.
• We do not silently remove a material error in a way that conceals the original mistake.

To request a correction, email tips@newsnowgeorgia.org with the article link, the information you believe is inaccurate and any supporting documentation.

Bylines and content labels

Articles should identify the person or newsroom responsible for the report. Opinion, commentary, sponsored material, paid listings and advertising are labeled so readers can distinguish them from independently reported news.

Conflicts of interest and advertising

Editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, sponsors and paid listings. Payment does not guarantee favorable news coverage. Relevant personal, financial or organizational conflicts should be disclosed when they could reasonably affect a reader’s understanding of the coverage.

Artificial intelligence and digital tools

News Now Georgia may use digital tools, including artificial-intelligence-assisted tools, to help with tasks such as transcription, organization, formatting, research support, headline development or drafting. These tools are not treated as sources. Material facts must be checked against reliable information, and final editorial responsibility remains with News Now Georgia.

Images or other material generated or materially altered with artificial intelligence should be labeled when there is a reasonable possibility that readers could mistake the material for an authentic documentary image or recording.

Privacy, safety and sensitive coverage

We weigh the public’s need for information against unnecessary harm. Extra care is used when reporting on children, victims of sexual violence, medical emergencies, deaths and graphic scenes. We may withhold identifying details or images when publication would create a serious safety risk or add little public value.

Contact the newsroom

Readers are encouraged to send news tips, documentation, feedback and correction requests to tips@newsnowgeorgia.org. Please include enough detail for us to review the matter responsibly.