Editorial Policy
EDITORIAL ETHICS POLICY AND GUIDELINES
LAST REVISED: JULY 23, 2024
The media landscape is continually innovating, therefore the ethics and guidelines of our company will evolve over time to ensure that we are always positioned to maintain our audience’s trust.
6AM’s growing network of modern local media brands are redefining how communities consume, engage, communicate, connect, and experience their cities. As 6AM facilitates and participates in these local conversations, our team members uphold these five core values:
Additionally, many individuals at 6AM operate in an editorial capacity, therefore it is required that all team members always act in an ethical manner that embodies transparency, objectivity, impartiality, veracity, fairness, and accuracy in our content.
CONTENT WE COVER
6AM covers the most relevant, hyper-local news and events happening in our cities. Key content focus areas include city guides, civic conversations, food and drink, lifestyle, history, and local news.
6AM curates and provides narrative around the most relevant local conversations. 6AM’s editorial filter is designed to capture and evaluate content from several sources to ensure the validity and accuracy of the content distributed via our platforms.
6AM utilizes accreditation and links to attribute resources. Resources and research are intended to strengthen credibility of content and drive further discovery to those sources.
6AM believes in and makes an intentional effort to consider the broad diversity of thought and interests of our community members.
6AM embraces our value of leveraging engagement by inviting everyone to participate in the conversation. We recognize that individuals are limited in their depth of knowledge to their own personal experiences. Therefore, we have created a system of tools, technology, feedback channels, community resources, and much more to ensure that we are able to hear all of the voices in our community when making editorial decisions to best educate and activate our readers locally.
6AM actively seeks out diverse voices and subjects for our daily coverage, and works hard to make sure our content reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. It is not enough to cover topics of diversity during relevant holidays or designated months. We believe it’s important to showcase the diversity of our communities in our coverage year-round by listening with intentional curiosity.
6AM refrains from covering national news and events.
6AM refrains from covering politics. As it relates to local elections, 6AM is committed to educating and activating the communities we serve with actionable information that supports and encourages voter participation. As it relates to political topics, 6AM refrains from covering issues that are controversial or highly politicized on a national level, including local news related to such topics.
6AM also refrains from covering topics related to crime and punishment.
6AM refrains from indicating personal or brand preference in our coverage. This is done in an effort to avoid bias or perceived bias in an ever polarized media landscape. Thus, 6AM provides only factual information to educate readers when it is directly related to any potentially controversial topic in our respective markets.
All information conveyed to our staff by external parties is for consideration only. The decision to include content in our products is at the sole discretion of our editorial staff if the content is determined to be relevant, inline with our product guide, and valuable for our audience.
STAFF was historically used as an author on our website when content was written and edited collaboratively by multiple contributors (including interns, freelance writers, and full-time editorial staff). Effective November 15, 2022, our articles directly represent the bylines of all contributing writers by name.
WE SUPPORT PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS AROUND GROWING COMMUNITIES
6AM is committed to facilitating dialogue in a positive way. As our editorial staff are sourcing content to include in our products, community content creators who contribute locally in a positive and productive manner have a higher likelihood of inclusion.
6AM views growth in the positive and we support the facilitation of productive conversations that allow all members of the community to become educated, so that they can actively participate in a community’s growth in a manner that best supports their perspectives and exposes them to others.
We believe in a healthy and productive dialogue around growing city topics including infrastructure, tourism, housing, diversity and inclusion, economic development, nonprofits, sustainability, budget, connectivity, public safety, etc. We believe that by educating our readers on how they can proactively participate in conversations regarding the challenges and opportunities associated with a growing city, we can activate them to participate in a manner that has the best long-term outcome for the community as a whole.
FACT-CHECKING AND CORRECTIONS
6AM’s editorial staff strives to be accurate, factual, honest, balanced, unbiased, and relevant. We lean on our audience to provide opinions and additional perspective, so we can focus on the facts. Our editorial filter is designed to aggregate the community’s content, and our local editorial staff lead conversations designed to educate and activate our communities.
6AM relies on limited editorial resources to process and distribute large volumes of content every day. We make every effort to be accurate upon publication. Additionally, as we report on content in the public domain, it may be beyond our ability to verify all information. We may choose to share any information, as sourced in the public domain, to facilitate a productive conversation around a relevant topic.
If our staff is made aware of the need for a correction, we provide transparency to our audience by updating published content and issuing a correction the following day or as soon as possible and appropriate. When corrections are to be made, we make them across all published platforms, as possible. It is important to note that our core product is an email newsletter and, similar to a newspaper, it is not possible to make corrections to the digital copy once delivered via email.
A correction will only be issued if new information is provided that either adds clarity to an article or invalidates the content as originally published. Additionally, 6AM will issue corrections for typos or factual errors that could cause our audience to misinterpret the content. It is our policy to leave all editorial content live once published, with additional context or corrections as appropriate. Removal of content from our platforms may happen in rare instances due to legal or extenuating circumstances, and must always be approved by executive editorial leadership. Removal of, or material changes to, content will never be directed or influenced by advertisers, community leaders, or similar parties to support their respective agenda or opinions.
GIFTS AND INVITATIONS
6AM staff are permitted to accept gifts, invitations, and offers of limited value on behalf of the company, provided all staff in the relevant market are made aware of the gift/invitation/offer as it was made to the company, not to the staff member personally. All information conveyed to our staff is for consideration only, regardless of the manner in which it was shared. The receipt of gifts or other consideration in no way guarantees or compromises editorial coverage of an event, product, or service. It is at the sole discretion of our editorial staff to share or write about a given topic, provided it is determined to be relevant and adds value to our audience inline with our editorial content strategy.
GIVEAWAYS
From time to time, 6AM will conduct giveaways or similar contests for our audience. Rules for giveaways and contests will be posted and are binding for those who elect to participate. At times, giveaways and contests will be sponsored by an advertiser or facilitated on behalf of another entity. Our decision to conduct a giveaway or contest in no way is an endorsement of the entities involved or their products.
BRANDED CONTENT
(PAID, SPONSORED, IN-KIND, AFFILIATE)
All Branded Content is managed by 6AM’s in-house Client Success Team and is created by the Client Success Team on behalf of, or in conjunction with, an advertiser. Advertisers may be permitted to review, make suggestions, and/or approve Branded Content.
Branded Content does not necessarily reflect the views of 6AM or its editorial staff. 6AM will refuse publication of Branded Content that, in its own judgment, would be detrimental to the credibility, character, or values of the company.
See Advertiser Publishing Policy here.
OWNERSHIP + FUNDING DISCLAIMER
6AM City, Inc. is owned and operated by a leadership team located at the company headquarters in Greenville, S.C. 6AM’s investor portfolio includes a variety of angel investors based in the United States. 6AM’s editorial content is not controlled or influenced by its investors in any manner. From time to time, investors in 6AM may purchase advertising as appropriate for their respective businesses, on par with all other advertisers.
6AM City, Inc.
PO Box 2505
Greenville, SC 29602
Legal@6AMcity.com
Copyright © 2024 6AM City, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
EDITORIAL SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
LAST REVISED: MAY 1, 2024
At 6AM City we encourage everyone to join the conversation, and in fact, we appreciate when you do. In order to maintain a space for safe + productive conversations, we’ve established the following guidelines for our social media and digital platforms.
To help us create more of the content you’d like to see + to help us stay informed about all the things happening in our community, we encourage you to:
We value that we have created a community where everyone feels welcome to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas, and ask that those who engage on our platforms maintain respect for one another. The following will not be tolerated on our social media feeds or website:
Content that 6AM City deems as violating this policy may be hidden or removed without notice. Individuals who 6AM City deems to have violated this policy may be blocked or removed without notice.
DISCLAIMERS:
PO Box 2505
Greenville, SC 29602
Legal@6AMcity.com
Copyright © 2024 6AM City, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LAST REVISED: JULY 23, 2024
The media landscape is continually innovating, therefore the ethics and guidelines of our company will evolve over time to ensure that we are always positioned to maintain our audience’s trust.
6AM’s growing network of modern local media brands are redefining how communities consume, engage, communicate, connect, and experience their cities. As 6AM facilitates and participates in these local conversations, our team members uphold these five core values:
- RESPONDING with agility
- Leveraging ENGAGEMENT to achieve synergy
- Listening with intentional CURIOSITY
- ACTING LIKE AN OWNER by delivering solutions that move us all forward
- Having fun through PRIDE IN PLACE
Additionally, many individuals at 6AM operate in an editorial capacity, therefore it is required that all team members always act in an ethical manner that embodies transparency, objectivity, impartiality, veracity, fairness, and accuracy in our content.
CONTENT WE COVER
6AM covers the most relevant, hyper-local news and events happening in our cities. Key content focus areas include city guides, civic conversations, food and drink, lifestyle, history, and local news.
6AM curates and provides narrative around the most relevant local conversations. 6AM’s editorial filter is designed to capture and evaluate content from several sources to ensure the validity and accuracy of the content distributed via our platforms.
6AM utilizes accreditation and links to attribute resources. Resources and research are intended to strengthen credibility of content and drive further discovery to those sources.
6AM believes in and makes an intentional effort to consider the broad diversity of thought and interests of our community members.
6AM embraces our value of leveraging engagement by inviting everyone to participate in the conversation. We recognize that individuals are limited in their depth of knowledge to their own personal experiences. Therefore, we have created a system of tools, technology, feedback channels, community resources, and much more to ensure that we are able to hear all of the voices in our community when making editorial decisions to best educate and activate our readers locally.
6AM actively seeks out diverse voices and subjects for our daily coverage, and works hard to make sure our content reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. It is not enough to cover topics of diversity during relevant holidays or designated months. We believe it’s important to showcase the diversity of our communities in our coverage year-round by listening with intentional curiosity.
6AM refrains from covering national news and events.
6AM refrains from covering politics. As it relates to local elections, 6AM is committed to educating and activating the communities we serve with actionable information that supports and encourages voter participation. As it relates to political topics, 6AM refrains from covering issues that are controversial or highly politicized on a national level, including local news related to such topics.
6AM also refrains from covering topics related to crime and punishment.
6AM refrains from indicating personal or brand preference in our coverage. This is done in an effort to avoid bias or perceived bias in an ever polarized media landscape. Thus, 6AM provides only factual information to educate readers when it is directly related to any potentially controversial topic in our respective markets.
All information conveyed to our staff by external parties is for consideration only. The decision to include content in our products is at the sole discretion of our editorial staff if the content is determined to be relevant, inline with our product guide, and valuable for our audience.
STAFF was historically used as an author on our website when content was written and edited collaboratively by multiple contributors (including interns, freelance writers, and full-time editorial staff). Effective November 15, 2022, our articles directly represent the bylines of all contributing writers by name.
WE SUPPORT PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS AROUND GROWING COMMUNITIES
6AM is committed to facilitating dialogue in a positive way. As our editorial staff are sourcing content to include in our products, community content creators who contribute locally in a positive and productive manner have a higher likelihood of inclusion.
6AM views growth in the positive and we support the facilitation of productive conversations that allow all members of the community to become educated, so that they can actively participate in a community’s growth in a manner that best supports their perspectives and exposes them to others.
We believe in a healthy and productive dialogue around growing city topics including infrastructure, tourism, housing, diversity and inclusion, economic development, nonprofits, sustainability, budget, connectivity, public safety, etc. We believe that by educating our readers on how they can proactively participate in conversations regarding the challenges and opportunities associated with a growing city, we can activate them to participate in a manner that has the best long-term outcome for the community as a whole.
FACT-CHECKING AND CORRECTIONS
6AM’s editorial staff strives to be accurate, factual, honest, balanced, unbiased, and relevant. We lean on our audience to provide opinions and additional perspective, so we can focus on the facts. Our editorial filter is designed to aggregate the community’s content, and our local editorial staff lead conversations designed to educate and activate our communities.
6AM relies on limited editorial resources to process and distribute large volumes of content every day. We make every effort to be accurate upon publication. Additionally, as we report on content in the public domain, it may be beyond our ability to verify all information. We may choose to share any information, as sourced in the public domain, to facilitate a productive conversation around a relevant topic.
If our staff is made aware of the need for a correction, we provide transparency to our audience by updating published content and issuing a correction the following day or as soon as possible and appropriate. When corrections are to be made, we make them across all published platforms, as possible. It is important to note that our core product is an email newsletter and, similar to a newspaper, it is not possible to make corrections to the digital copy once delivered via email.
A correction will only be issued if new information is provided that either adds clarity to an article or invalidates the content as originally published. Additionally, 6AM will issue corrections for typos or factual errors that could cause our audience to misinterpret the content. It is our policy to leave all editorial content live once published, with additional context or corrections as appropriate. Removal of content from our platforms may happen in rare instances due to legal or extenuating circumstances, and must always be approved by executive editorial leadership. Removal of, or material changes to, content will never be directed or influenced by advertisers, community leaders, or similar parties to support their respective agenda or opinions.
GIFTS AND INVITATIONS
6AM staff are permitted to accept gifts, invitations, and offers of limited value on behalf of the company, provided all staff in the relevant market are made aware of the gift/invitation/offer as it was made to the company, not to the staff member personally. All information conveyed to our staff is for consideration only, regardless of the manner in which it was shared. The receipt of gifts or other consideration in no way guarantees or compromises editorial coverage of an event, product, or service. It is at the sole discretion of our editorial staff to share or write about a given topic, provided it is determined to be relevant and adds value to our audience inline with our editorial content strategy.
GIVEAWAYS
From time to time, 6AM will conduct giveaways or similar contests for our audience. Rules for giveaways and contests will be posted and are binding for those who elect to participate. At times, giveaways and contests will be sponsored by an advertiser or facilitated on behalf of another entity. Our decision to conduct a giveaway or contest in no way is an endorsement of the entities involved or their products.
BRANDED CONTENT
(PAID, SPONSORED, IN-KIND, AFFILIATE)
All Branded Content is managed by 6AM’s in-house Client Success Team and is created by the Client Success Team on behalf of, or in conjunction with, an advertiser. Advertisers may be permitted to review, make suggestions, and/or approve Branded Content.
Branded Content does not necessarily reflect the views of 6AM or its editorial staff. 6AM will refuse publication of Branded Content that, in its own judgment, would be detrimental to the credibility, character, or values of the company.
See Advertiser Publishing Policy here.
OWNERSHIP + FUNDING DISCLAIMER
6AM City, Inc. is owned and operated by a leadership team located at the company headquarters in Greenville, S.C. 6AM’s investor portfolio includes a variety of angel investors based in the United States. 6AM’s editorial content is not controlled or influenced by its investors in any manner. From time to time, investors in 6AM may purchase advertising as appropriate for their respective businesses, on par with all other advertisers.
6AM City, Inc.
PO Box 2505
Greenville, SC 29602
Legal@6AMcity.com
Copyright © 2024 6AM City, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
EDITORIAL SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
LAST REVISED: MAY 1, 2024
At 6AM City we encourage everyone to join the conversation, and in fact, we appreciate when you do. In order to maintain a space for safe + productive conversations, we’ve established the following guidelines for our social media and digital platforms.
To help us create more of the content you’d like to see + to help us stay informed about all the things happening in our community, we encourage you to:
- Like, comment on, and share content from our pages
- Tag us in your posts:
- 608today: @608today and #608today
- ATXtoday: @ATXtoday and #ATXtoday
- AVLtoday: @AVLtoday and #AVLtoday
- BOStoday: @BOStoday and #BOStoday
- CBUStoday: @theCBUStoday #CBUStoday
- CHStoday: @CHStoday and #CHStoday
- CLTtoday: @ourCLTtoday and #CLTtoday
- COLAtoday: @COLAtoday and #COLAtoday
- DALtoday: @DALtoday and #DALtoday
- FTWtoday: @FTWtoday and #FTWtoday
- GVLtoday: @GVLtoday and #GVLtoday
- INDYtoday: @theINDYtoday and #INDYtoday
- KCtoday: @theKCtoday and #KCtoday
- LALtoday: @theLALtoday and #LALtoday
- LEXtoday: @theLEXtoday and #LEXtoday
- LOUtoday: @theLOUtoday and #LOUtoday
- NASHtoday: @theNASHtoday and #NASHtoday
- NOOGAtoday: @NOOGAtoday and #NOOGAtoday
- PDXtoday: @thePDXtoday and #PDXtoday
- RALtoday: @RALtoday and #RALtoday
- RICtoday: @theRICtoday and #RICtoday
- SATXtoday: @SATXtoday and #SATXtoday
- SEAtoday: @theSEAtoday and #SEAtoday
- TBAYtoday: @theTBAYtoday and #TBAYtoday
- WStoday: @ourWStoday and #WStoday
- Message us with your questions, feedback, tips, ideas + suggestions
We value that we have created a community where everyone feels welcome to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas, and ask that those who engage on our platforms maintain respect for one another. The following will not be tolerated on our social media feeds or website:
- Hate speech of any kind, or derogatory language towards protected classes as defined by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- Profanity, vulgarity, or obscene words or images.
- Spam.
- Promotional posts.
- Posts that bully, slander, attack or threaten another individual or organization.
- Posts suggesting or encouraging illegal or otherwise dangerous activities.
Content that 6AM City deems as violating this policy may be hidden or removed without notice. Individuals who 6AM City deems to have violated this policy may be blocked or removed without notice.
DISCLAIMERS:
- Comments on any post from a 6AM City market account do not reflect the views or values of 6AM City, unless those comments are directly from the 6AM City market account.
- Our teams work diligently to monitor our social media platforms and to take action when content has violated our Editorial Social Media Policy. If you find offensive or prohibited content on our platforms, we encourage you to notify us and/or to report the content on the platform directly.
- 6AM City does not remove photos from our social feeds unless the photo and/or caption contains incorrect information and it is not possible to make a correction to the post
- If a Facebook post has incorrect information, we will edit the post with the correct information and issue a correction in the comments.
- If a Tweet has incorrect information, we will screenshot the original Tweet before deleting it, then Tweet the screenshot of the original Tweet with a correction.
- If an Instagram caption has incorrect information, we will edit the caption with the correct information, and issue a correction in the comments.
PO Box 2505
Greenville, SC 29602
Legal@6AMcity.com
Copyright © 2024 6AM City, Inc. All Rights Reserved.