FAQ

Upon the request that a story be taken down from The Point’s online publication, lomabeat.com, The Point’s team of editors and staff will review the article. As stated in The Point Code of Ethics, we believe in ethical journalism that stands on the four pillars highlighted within the SPJ Code of Ethics: Seek Truth and Report It, Minimize Harm, Act Independently, Be Accountable & Transparent. In the review process of an article undergoing a request for removal, we look at the story through the lens of these ethics, asking questions like: 

• Did we report the truth according to what was known to be true at that time? 
• Did we update our readers with timely facts as necessary in developing stories? 
• Are we causing irreparable damage by keeping this article published? 
• Did we make a mistake in identifying ourselves as journalists in the reporting of this story? 
• Were we clear with our sources regarding what we determined on the record and off the record?

Upon the request that a story be altered, The Point’s team of editors and staff will review the intended changes to the same extent as a removal request requires. When changes are made, an “Editor’s Note” will appear at the top of the article explaining the process behind any alterations that appear within the content. Some potential scenarios include:

• If a source claims that the information or quote they provided in an article was “off the record,” they should reach out to the writer, who will bring the complaint to the editor-in-chief (EIC). Together, The Point team will examine whether the source was made aware of the differences between “off the record” and “not for attribution.”* Following our ethical standards, we will investigate the complaint and make corrections accordingly. 

• If a source claims they were misquoted, the source’s correction will be brought to the attention of the EIC by the writer, along with the writer’s recording/notes of the interview. The quote will be changed at the discretion of the EIC. The change will appear in an “Editor’s Note” at the top of the article. 

• If a source requests to remove their attribution AFTER the publication of a story, The Point will discuss the matter, asking questions pertaining to minimizing harm. However, the removal of attribution after a story is published is generally not allowed.

• If a writer makes a factual error within the reporting of a story and a correction request is presented, the EIC and writer will partner in examining the error, and an “Editor’s Note” will appear at the top of the article explaining the error made and how it was corrected. 

Our content is our own. The Point does not allow the reprinting of Lomabeat stories. If outside organizations wish to feature The Point articles on their platform, they must link to lomabeat.com and allow their readers to be redirected there.

“Prior Review” is the act of allowing a source to read the article in its entirety before publication. The Point does not allow prior review. However, if a source is concerned about how their quotes will fit into the story as a whole, they can request that the writer send them their quotes to read before publication and/or the paragraphs above and below where they are used. This requires prior approval from the EIC at least three days in advance of the deadline. In most cases, prior review in this limited capacity is not granted unless the nature of the story calls for it. 

Sources can request that a reporter keep their identity anonymous within a story. Granting anonymity is the decision of the EIC, who will weigh if the nature of the story warrants this level of redaction. It is always the goal of reporters to protect their sources, so concerns about consequences to publishing a story should be an ongoing conversation between a source and the reporter. As an alternative to anonymity, reporters will also ask sources if they are comfortable including a vague description in the story that ensures a source is not identifiable to readers. When anonymity is granted, The Point’s EIC and/or faculty advisor must know who the source is – this is only for the purpose of fact checking and so that the publication is protected from claims of fabricated reporting. Journalists are protected by California Shield Laws that safeguard confidential sources. EICs and faculty advisors will never share the identity of an anonymous source with anyone, including PLNU staff, faculty and administration.

The Point does not generally allow sources to review questions ahead of the interview to ensure authentic answers. We prefer to capture the nuances of a conversation as it unfolds, rather that be a platform that repeats rehearsed responses.

Want us to cover something specific? Do you have the scoop on something big happening at PLNU? Are there areas of coverage we are missing? We want to hear from you. Email us at thepointweeklyplnu@gmail.com.