Section 1
Accuracy
Accuracy is the foundation of GSR journalism
GSR seeks to publish information that is accurate, properly attributed and supported by the available evidence.
Accuracy means more than reproducing a statement correctly. It requires GSR to consider the reliability of the source, the context in which information was provided, whether material facts are missing, and whether the headline and presentation fairly represent what the underlying evidence establishes.
Fact, allegation and inference
GSR distinguishes between:
- Established fact \u2014 information supported by reliable evidence or authoritative records.
- Official statement \u2014 a claim or position formally made by an institution or identified official; its official character does not automatically establish its truth.
- Allegation \u2014 a factual assertion that has not been finally established.
- Reported information \u2014 information attributed to another credible news organisation or identifiable source that GSR has not independently established.
- Analysis \u2014 interpretation based upon identified facts, evidence or developments.
- Opinion \u2014 a viewpoint or argument, which must be distinguishable from straight news reporting.
- Unverified information \u2014 information GSR has not been able to establish sufficiently for presentation as fact.
GSR will not knowingly present allegation, speculation, inference or advocacy as established fact.
Headlines
Headlines, captions, thumbnails, social-media posts and Breaking News Alerts must accurately reflect the underlying report.
A headline must not materially exaggerate a development merely to attract attention.
Legal and court reporting
GSR distinguishes between allegations, evidence, party submissions, judicial findings, judgments and final legal outcomes.
The filing of an allegation does not establish its truth. An investigation does not establish guilt. A civil proceeding is not automatically evidence of criminal liability. An acquittal, dismissal, mistrial, procedural ruling or refusal to admit evidence must be described according to its actual legal effect.
Where proceedings remain pending, GSR will take particular care not to prejudge their outcome.
Accuracy and speed
During breaking events, complete information may not immediately be available.
GSR would rather tell its audience what is not yet known than fill an information gap with speculation.
Being first is valuable. Being right is essential.