Editorial Standards & Verification Policy
What We Stand For
Well This Is News exists to give readers a clearer picture of how political stories are being told, framed, and interpreted across the American media landscape. That mission only works if the journalism behind it is credible, accountable, and held to consistent standards.
These are ours.
Editorial Independence
Well This Is News operates as an independent digital publication. Our editorial decisions are made without influence from advertisers, political organizations, advocacy groups, or any external party. We do not accept payment to cover or suppress any story. We do not take positions on behalf of any political party, candidate, or ideology.
Stories are selected automatically by how widely an event is covered across the political spectrum, under rules set by the Editorial Director. No story is selected or rejected based on its political implications for any party or candidate.
Source Standards
We draw on a curated set of sources that meet minimum standards for credibility, editorial consistency, and journalistic accountability. Sources must have:
- A verifiable editorial history
- Named or identifiable editorial leadership
- A consistent record of corrections and accountability
- Broad public recognition as a news source
We do not draw on anonymous blogs, unverified social media accounts, or outlets with a documented history of publishing fabricated content. Every perspective published on Well This Is News links to its source so readers can verify coverage independently.
Accuracy Standards
Our stories summarize published reporting and link to it. We separate what sources report from our analysis of how it is framed. Factual claims should trace to the linked sources. When they do not, that is an error, and we correct it. We distinguish clearly between what is documented and what is interpreted.
Our analytical layer uses language that reflects appropriate evidentiary boundaries. We avoid presenting interpretation as established fact. When the evidence is incomplete or contested, we say so.
Balance Standards
The three-perspective model is our primary mechanism for editorial balance. No single framing of a story is presented as definitive. Left, Right, and Straight perspectives receive equal presentation and equal visual weight.
The editorial rules the AI follows are designed so no perspective is systematically favored. The Editorial Director reviews a sample of stories for balance. The goal is not artificial symmetry but honest representation of how each side of the political spectrum is actually covering the story.
Separation of Analysis and Advocacy
Well This Is News publishes original editorial analysis. That analysis examines framing, sourcing, omission, and narrative construction. It does not advocate for political positions, candidates, or policies.
Our analysis asks: how is this story being told, and what does that reveal? It does not ask: which side is right?
Transparency
We disclose our use of AI-assisted research and synthesis tools. We publish our methodology publicly. We maintain visible editorial standards and a corrections policy. WTIN is edited by one person, Editorial Director C. Mayfield. Desk bylines are topic labels.
We believe readers deserve to know how their news is produced.
Conflicts of Interest
The Editorial Director does not cover, or adjust coverage of, matters in which he has a personal or financial interest.
External Pressure
Well This Is News does not alter, suppress, or modify editorial content in response to external pressure from any individual, organization, or advertiser. If we receive a request to alter coverage we will note it and it will have no effect on our editorial decisions.
Advertising
Well This Is News is supported by display advertising. Advertising relationships have no influence on editorial coverage. Advertisers do not receive advance notice of stories, input into editorial decisions, or any form of preferential coverage.
We do not publish native advertising, sponsored content, or paid editorial placements.
Contacting the Editor
For questions about our editorial standards, to report a potential error, or to raise a concern about our coverage contact us at info@wellthisisnews.com.
All editorial inquiries are read by the Editorial Director.