Hearst Television News Policy Statements
Our Purpose
Hearst Television operates under the premise that first is desired, right is required in everything we do.
Our purpose is one of service, providing quality news and information to the local television markets in which we operate. We are passionate about truthful, independent, fair, non-biased reporting of stories and issues that impact the communities we serve. We work daily to uncover and discover news that matters and are committed to recognizing and celebrating the differences that make each of our markets unique. We work to strengthen and support our communities through public service projects addressing various needs, for example, clothing and food drives, foster care/adoption initiatives, drug take back events, blood drives, emergency telethons. We work to be leaders in the markets we serve and the media industry as a whole.
Our People
Our team of journalists reflects the very diverse communities we serve in 26 different local television markets. We are committed to encouraging, cultivating and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Hearst Television actively supports and recruits from minority journalists organizations and employs a Director of Veteran Recruiting. We celebrate and support the differences among our team members, never discriminating based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities or other personal characteristics. We believe the differences among our team allow us to offer the most relevant, reflective and meaningful news coverage to our communities.
Our Commitment to Ethical Standards & Practices
Ethics Statement
Hearst Television news operations seek the truth, remain independent, ensure accuracy and report with respect. We commit to checking facts, questioning information, providing context and remaining transparent with our reporting, our affiliations and potential conflicts of interest.
We operate independently and without influence of outside organizations or internal pressures.
Fact-checking Standards
In an effort to ensure every story we produce and publish is accurate, we approach each with a healthy dose of skepticism and operate by the premise that ‘first is desired, right is required.’ That means taking time to research a subject and identify experts who can confirm facts or clarify information. We seek multiple sources to corroborate claims. We structure our newsrooms to allow for multiple sets of eyes to read or view a story before it is published or broadcast.
Sourcing Policy
Hearst Television typically doesn’t rely on single sources and avoids using unnamed sources unless necessary to protect the source from the threat of real or perceived retaliation.
Corrections & Clarification Policy & Practice
Hearst Television is committed to accuracy and transparency in reporting. When mistakes are identified, we seek to quickly and thoughtfully acknowledge and address errors. Stories published to our websites note when a correction has been made.
Use of Technology in Editorial Efforts
Hearst Television journalists originate all editorial content. We do use technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to assist in some production processes, for example, content surfacing, translation, re-construction of original reporting for alternate platforms, and distribution. Consistent with our existing multiple set of eyes policy, all content is reviewed by journalists for accuracy, appropriate context, and lack of bias before publishing or broadcasting.
Our Commitment to Communication
Actionable Feedback/Public Engagement activities
We encourage our audience to offer input and ideas, interacting by phone, email and social media platforms. Our high-profile news employees participate in community events and serve as spokespeople for station supported community service efforts. As local news providers, our employees live and work in the communities they serve.
Our Ownership
Hearst Television owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over more than 120 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, Estrella and more. The radio stations are leaders in Baltimore news/talk and rock music listenership. Its Hearst Media Production Group unit produces original programming across linear and streaming platforms for domestic and international distribution. Its Very Local app, free to download on household OTT devices and available across popular streaming services, offers 24/7 access to local news, weather and an array of local and regional programming. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst. The Company’s Web address is www.hearsttelevision.com.