FYI: Branson Globe Editorial Policy
At The Branson Globe, our mission is to serve the community with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to truth. We believe that local journalism should inform, encourage, and strengthen the people and businesses that make our region unique. This policy page outlines the standards and guidelines that shape our editorial decisions, advertising relationships, reader submissions, and corrections process.
We are committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability in everything we publish. By clearly communicating our policies, we aim to build trust with our readers and provide clarity for contributors, advertisers, and community partners. Our goal is to ensure that every piece of content reflects both professional journalistic standards and a respectful, community-centered approach.
As a community-focused publication, we also strive to reflect values that uplift and serve others. We believe in treating people with respect, presenting information responsibly, and using our platform to support the well-being of our neighbors. These policies help guide us as we work to provide a reliable, trustworthy voice for the Branson area.
Our Commitment
At The Branson Globe, our mission is to serve the community with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to truth. We believe that local journalism should inform, encourage, and strengthen the people and businesses that make our region unique. This page outlines the standards and guidelines that shape our editorial decisions, political coverage, and community submissions.
We are committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability in everything we publish. Our goal is to provide a trusted local source of information while reflecting the values and voices of the community we serve.
The Branson Globe is committed to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism that serves our community. Our editorial decisions are guided by integrity, transparency, and respect for the individuals and organizations we cover.
Accuracy and Verification
We strive to ensure all published information is accurate and verified. When possible, information is confirmed through multiple sources. If an error occurs, we will correct it promptly and transparently.
Fairness and Balance
The Branson Globe seeks to present relevant perspectives on issues affecting our community. We make reasonable efforts to contact individuals or organizations who are the subject of critical coverage.
News vs. Opinion
News reporting is intended to provide factual information. Opinion content, including columns, guest submissions, and letters to the editor, reflects the views of the authors and is clearly identified as opinion.
Independence
Editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, sponsors, and outside organizations. Advertising relationships do not influence news coverage or editorial content.
Community Focus
As a community newspaper, we prioritize coverage that informs, uplifts, and serves our local readers. We aim to treat individuals with respect and present information in a responsible and constructive manner.
Corrections
When errors are identified, The Branson Globe will correct them as quickly as possible. Corrections may be noted in print, online, or both, depending on the nature of the error.
Editorial Discretion
The Branson Globe reserves the right to determine newsworthiness, edit submissions for clarity and length, and decide what content is appropriate for publication.
To maintain credibility, fairness, and public trust, The Branson Globe has established the following policy regarding political involvement and financial contributions by staff members. We are committed to serving our community with integrity, respect for others, and a dedication to truth. These principles guide our journalism and help ensure our coverage remains fair, thoughtful, and focused on the well-being of the community we serve.
Applicability
This policy applies to all compensated staff of The Branson Globe, including columnists, staff writers, editors, managers, and publishers. For purposes of this policy, “staff” refers to any individual receiving compensation from The Branson Globe Newspaper, LLC in an editorial or leadership capacity.
This policy does not apply to unpaid contributors, sales personnel, advertising designers, or circulation employees. While these individuals are not expressly prohibited from political activity, they are encouraged to follow these guidelines to help preserve the credibility of the publication.
Purpose of This Policy
This policy is intended to:
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Avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts
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Maintain credibility as a trusted community news source
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Ensure transparency and accountability in editorial practices
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Protect the integrity and impartiality of the publication
Because political contributions are matters of public record, even personal involvement may create the perception that The Branson Globe is endorsing a candidate, party, or issue.
Political Activity Guidelines
Political Contributions
Staff members may not make financial contributions to political candidates, campaigns, political parties, or political causes at the municipal, state, or federal level.
Campaign Involvement
Staff members should not run for public office, manage political campaigns, organize fundraisers, or participate in political leadership roles that could create a conflict of interest.
Public Displays of Political Support
Staff members should avoid displaying political materials such as campaign signs, bumper stickers, buttons, or similar items that may be interpreted as reflecting the position of The Branson Globe.
Social Media and Public Statements
Staff members are expected to exercise discretion when expressing political opinions in public forums or on social media. Public endorsements of candidates or political causes should be avoided.
Policy Violations
Violations of this policy will be addressed as follows:
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First violation: Reminder of policy and written acknowledgment
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Subsequent violation: Termination of employment or compensated role
The Branson Globe does not endorse candidates for public office. Our role is to provide fair, accurate, and balanced coverage so readers can make informed decisions.
We are committed to presenting information about candidates, issues, and ballot measures in a manner that is factual, respectful, and relevant to our community. Coverage may include candidate profiles, issue explanations, event reporting, and community perspectives.
Opinion pieces submitted by community members, guest columnists, or letter writers may express support for candidates or issues. These viewpoints represent the opinions of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of The Branson Globe.
Editorial staff and leadership do not publish official endorsements, and no news coverage should imply support for or opposition to any candidate, party, or ballot issue.
Our goal is to inform, not influence, and to provide a trusted platform for community dialogue while maintaining editorial independence.
Letters published in the opinion section reflect the views of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of The Branson Globe or its staff.
We welcome thoughtful, respectful letters from members of the community. Letters to the editor provide an opportunity for readers to share perspectives, respond to coverage, and contribute to community dialogue.
Submission Guidelines
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Letters should be submitted by email
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Letters of 400 words or fewer are given preference
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Each submission must include the writer’s name, address, and verifiable phone number
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Anonymous letters will not be published
Names will be published with the letter. Contact information is used for verification purposes only and will not be printed.
Editorial Standards for Letters
The Branson Globe reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length, grammar, and style while preserving the author’s intent. Editors may decline to publish letters that:
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Contain libelous or defamatory statements
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Include personal attacks or inappropriate language
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Are in poor taste or not suitable for a general audience
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Promote or endorse a business, product, or commercial service
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Contain unverifiable claims presented as fact
Submission of a letter grants The Branson Globe the right to publish the content in print, digital, and archived formats. Published and unpublished letters become the property of the newspaper and will not be returned.
Election-Related Opinion Submissions
Opinion pieces submitted by community members, guest columnists, or letter writers may express support for candidates or ballot issues. To promote fairness and avoid last-minute influence, The Branson Globe will accept and publish election-related opinion submissions up to two weeks prior to an election.
Election-related opinion content will not be published during the two weeks immediately preceding Election Day. This includes letters to the editor, guest columns, and other opinion submissions that advocate for or against a candidate, party, or ballot issue.
This guideline does not apply to standard news coverage, candidate profiles, or factual reporting.
