County 10 Ethics Policy

(Published January 2026)

Our Mission

County 10 is a local media company with one core mission: to connect the community.

Through the sharing of news, information, and entertainment, we aim to unite Fremont County with a common narrative that encourages residents to play an active role in their community. We believe that informed, engaged communities are stronger communities. Our vision is simple: One Community, Connected.

We practice community journalism—sometimes called utility journalism. That means our reporting focuses on the information people need to live, work, vote, and participate in Fremont County life. We value a heartwarming feature as much as a breaking news story, and we avoid sensationalism in all forms.

Professional Standards

County 10 adheres to the principles outlined in the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics. We strive to:

• Seek truth and report it accurately
  
• Provide context and avoid misleading or incomplete information
  
• Minimize harm, especially in a small community
  
• Act independently
  
• Be accountable and transparent
  

Accuracy, fairness, and verification guide every editorial decision. While we work quickly to keep our community informed, speed never replaces accuracy.

Editorial Independence

Separation of News and Advertising

County 10 maintains a strict separation between editorial content and advertising.

• All advertising and sponsored content is clearly labeled
  
• Advertisers and sponsors do not influence news coverage
  
• Editorial decisions are never made in exchange for advertising or financial support
  

The company’s CEO/Publisher oversees business operations and ownership but intentionally separates from day-to-day news coverage for ethical reasons. News operations are led by the General Manager. Ethical questions may be escalated when appropriate.

Minority investors hold no controlling interest and have no ability to direct editorial coverage.

If a potential conflict of interest exists, it is disclosed to readers.

Conflicts of Interest

• Editorial staff may not accept gifts, meals, or favors from advertisers, public officials, or sources
  
• Nominal gifts from community members (such as thank-you items) may be accepted at the discretion of management
  
• Staff must disclose personal or professional connections to organizations or individuals they may cover
  
• Staff are typically removed from coverage involving organizations where a conflict exists, unless the coverage is routine and non-editorial
  

County 10 does not endorse political candidates or ballot measures and strives for fair, unbiased political coverage.

Crime and Arrest Reporting

County 10 publishes arrest information as it is received from local law enforcement agencies, using public records.

Important principles guide our crime coverage:

• An arrest is not a conviction
  
• We generally avoid names in headlines unless an individual has been convicted or is on trial
  
• We do not publish booking photos
  
• We do not publish juvenile names in crime coverage unless the individual is being tried as an adult, or there is some other expedient reason to do so
  
• We often withhold names and identifying details in cases involving sexual assault or abuse, especially when minors are involved, in order to protect victims
  

Removal of Names from Arrest Records

County 10 does not remove names from published arrest records unless petitioned, and unless verifiable documentation is provided by the arresting agency showing:

• Charges were dismissed
  
• Information was incorrect
  
• A clerical or factual error occurred
  

When a name is removed, we update the article and include an editor’s note explaining the change.

Our goal in crime reporting is to inform the public about events that affect community safety and awareness—not to sensationalize or punish.

Corrections, Updates, and Transparency

We take accuracy seriously and welcome corrections.

• Readers may report errors by emailing hello@county10.com
  
• Minor corrections (spelling, grammar, dates, locations) are made promptly
  
• Substantive corrections or updates are noted with an editor’s note explaining what changed
  

Stories may be updated as new information becomes available, particularly in unfolding situations. We do not quietly rewrite history.

County 10 does not remove accurate, newsworthy content solely because it is uncomfortable, controversial, or unpopular. Content may be removed if it is proven to be materially inaccurate or no longer serves a legitimate public interest.

Anonymous Sources and Tips

County 10 uses anonymous sources only when:

• There is a significant risk of harm or retaliation to the source
  
• The information is credible and verifiable
  
• The information is essential to public understanding
  

We do not grant anonymity simply upon request.

Anonymous tips are accepted but treated as leads—not sources. Information from anonymous tips must be independently verified before publication.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

County 10 uses artificial intelligence as a reporting aid—not as a replacement for journalists.

AI may be used for:

• Grammar and style editing
  
• Transcription of meetings and interviews
  
• Summarizing press releases
  
• Reviewing long transcripts to identify newsworthy items
  

When AI is used to generate content or images that appear in a story, its use is disclosed to readers, generally with a disclosure statement at the bottom of the article.

AI is not used to publish full articles without reporter involvement. All facts, quotes, and sources are verified by human journalists. Our use of AI allows a small staff to responsibly cover a large geographic area while maintaining accuracy and accountability.

Community Submissions

County 10 values community voices and welcomes submissions.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor are governed by published submission guidelines. Submissions are verified and may be edited for clarity, length, or policy compliance. Letters may be rejected if they:

• Contain personal attacks or insults
  
• Include unverifiable or misleading claims
  
• Violate submission guidelines
  

Other Submissions

Community submissions that do not meet letter criteria may be used as reporting leads but are not published in full unless explicitly stated.

Photo submissions require confirmation that the submitter owns the rights to the image.

Social Media and Comment Moderation

County 10 moderates comments on platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram.

We support open discussion and do not remove comments simply because we disagree. Comments may be removed if they include:

• Direct threats
  
• Hate speech or racism
  
• Profanity
  
• Defamatory statements
  
• Content unrelated to the post
  

Repeat offenders may be blocked.

Comments, opinion pieces, and columns do not necessarily reflect the views of County 10.

Staff Conduct and Independence

County 10 respects that staff are independent thinkers with personal beliefs and opinions. Staff are not required to censor themselves, provided they engage respectfully.

However, staff who publicly advocate for or against an issue, official, or organization may be restricted from covering that subject to maintain fairness and credibility. Decisions are made case by case, recognizing the realities of reporting in a small community.

Accountability to Our Community

County 10 exists to serve Fremont County. We strive to earn and maintain trust through transparency, fairness, and thoughtful editorial judgment. We are always willing to explain our decisions and listen to community feedback.

Our goal is simple: to inform, connect, and strengthen the community we call home.