Standards
Editorial Standards
The rules Drake House Local holds itself to.
Accuracy
We publish what we can support. If a detail cannot be confirmed, it is either left out or clearly identified as unconfirmed.
Verification
Names, dates, figures and quotes are checked before publication. Documents and firsthand accounts are preferred over secondhand summaries.
Corrections
Errors are corrected as soon as they are identified. A correction note stays on the story explaining what changed and when.
Sources
Sources are named whenever possible. Anonymity is granted only when there is a real risk to the source and the information matters to the public.
Conflicts of interest
Drake House Local is owned by Drake House. Where the company has a business relationship with a subject of coverage, that relationship is disclosed on the story.
Sponsored content
Sponsored material is always visibly labeled as Sponsored, is visually distinct from reporting, and is never written to look like an independent story.
Opinion labeling
Opinion and commentary are labeled as Opinion and presented differently from reported news so readers can tell them apart at a glance.
Privacy and sensitivity
We weigh public interest against harm, particularly with minors, victims, medical details and private addresses.
Use of artificial intelligence
AI tools may assist with drafting, formatting or research support. A person reviews and is responsible for anything published. AI is not used to fabricate quotes, sources, images presented as photojournalism, or events.
Reporting an error
Email memphis@drakehouse.co with the story headline and what is wrong, or use the submission form and choose "Correction."