Our purpose and scope
Melonpost is an online news publication at www.melonpost.org. We report on world affairs, U.S. news, business, finance, technology, politics, health and investigations, with the aim of giving readers accurate, clearly explained and fairly presented news.
These principles apply to everything we publish under the Melonpost name, including articles, summaries, newsletters and social media posts.
Accuracy and verification
Accuracy comes before speed. We check facts against primary sources wherever possible, such as official documents, court filings, data releases and direct statements. Where we cannot independently confirm a claim, we say so and attribute it clearly.
Breaking stories are labelled as developing and updated as new information is confirmed. Substantive updates are noted on the article. Our verification process is described in more detail in our Source Methodology.
Sources and attribution
We name our sources whenever we can. Anonymous sourcing is a last resort, used only when the information is important, cannot reasonably be obtained on the record, and comes from a source with first-hand knowledge or reliable access. When we grant anonymity, we explain why.
We attribute information that comes from other news organisations or news agencies, and we link to original reporting and documents where it helps readers.
Fairness and right of response
People and organisations that are the subject of serious criticism or allegations are given a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication. We present competing arguments fairly and avoid loaded language.
How we handle responses and complaints after publication is set out in our Corrections Policy.
Editorial independence
Editorial decisions are made by our editorial team. Advertisers, sponsors, partners and other outside parties do not review, approve or influence our coverage, and we do not accept payment in exchange for coverage. See our Advertising Policy.
News, analysis and opinion
We keep news reporting separate from analysis and opinion. News reports set out what happened and what is known. Analysis explains context and implications and is labelled as such. Opinion reflects the views of its author and is clearly identified as opinion.
Conflicts of interest
Journalists must not use their position for personal gain or accept gifts, payments or favours from people or organisations they cover. Anyone with a personal or financial interest in a subject must tell their editor before working on it. Where a relevant interest exists, we either disclose it to readers or assign the story to someone else.
Use of technology and AI tools
We may use software tools, including AI-assisted tools, for tasks such as research support, transcription, translation and copy checks. Tools do not replace editorial judgement: our editors are responsible for the accuracy of what we publish and review articles before they go live.
Images and graphics
We choose images and graphics to illustrate the story. We do not alter photographs in ways that could mislead readers, and where an image is illustrative, a composite or a graphic, we say so.
Feedback
We welcome questions and feedback about our journalism. Write to desk@melonpost.org. To report a mistake, see our Corrections Policy.