Editorial Standards and Practices

• SPA operates independently and is not affiliated with any political party, campaign, or government entity.

• Editorial decisions are not influenced by donors, sponsors, advertisers, or outside interests.

• Financial or in-kind support does not determine coverage, conclusions, or editorial positions.

We are not a political organization and do not endorse candidates or parties. We do, however, provide candidates a platform in which to inform the public of their intentions during regular election cycles. This is not intended to benefit the candidate but inform the public.

Our role is to ask questions, present information, and allow readers to form their own conclusions.

We strive for accuracy, clarity, and fairness in all published content.

When possible, we:

• Rely on primary sources and public records

• Strive to verify information through multiple sources

• Distinguish between fact, analysis, and opinion 

• Use conditional or question-based language when facts are incomplete

• Update or correct content when credible errors are identified

We welcome factual corrections submitted through our published contact methods.

Our coverage:

• Focuses on policies, actions, and decisions — not personalities

• Avoids speculation or assumptions about motives

• Avoids personal attacks or inflammatory language

• Frames questions in a neutral, public-interest context

Asking questions about public resources, public offices, or public officials is not intended as a personal attack but as a function of civic accountability.

SPA prioritizes issues that involve:

• Government operations

• Public spending

• Public safety

• Community services

• Matters of broad community concern

We generally do not publish:

• Private disputes between individuals

• Unverified allegations

• Gossip or rumor

• Personal matters unrelated to public interest

SPA reserves the right to ask questions while researching unverified concerns raised by the community. 

Somerset-Pulaski Advocate publishes a range of content intended to inform the public and encourage thoughtful civic engagement.

Our content may include:

• Original reporting and research

• Summaries or sharing of publicly available articles or records of community interest

• Analysis and explanatory pieces that provide context

• Questions raised in the public interest when facts or policies are unclear

• Responsible commentary regarding governance, public resources, and community issues

When complete information is not available, we may ask good-faith questions to seek clarification or encourage transparency. Asking questions about the use of public resources or the actions of public offices is a normal and appropriate function of civic accountability and should not be interpreted as an allegation of wrongdoing.

We clearly distinguish, when appropriate, between:

• Factual reporting

• Analysis or interpretation

• Commentary or opinion

Commentary and analysis reflect reasoned perspectives based on available information and are intended to support informed public discussion.

Our goal is to remain neutral, fact-based, and respectful while encouraging transparency and responsible governance.

If an error is identified:

• We will review the information promptly

• Factual corrections or clarifications will be made when appropriate

• Significant updates may be noted within the content

Good-faith corrections strengthen trust and are part of responsible reporting.

SPA is a volunteer-led project.

Editors, researchers, contributors, and supporters often maintain careers and family responsibilities within the community. For privacy and safety reasons, some choose to publish anonymously or use limited public identification.

This practice is intentional and consistent with norms in civic and investigative journalism.

• Anonymous contributors are subject to the same editorial standards as named contributors

• SPA does not disclose private personal information about volunteers or supporters

• Attempts to expose, target, or harass contributors are inconsistent with our standards

Under Kentucky law, intentionally publishing personal identifying information with the intent to intimidate or harass may be unlawful. Conduct of this nature may be reported to the appropriate platform or authorities.

We may use:

• Public records

• Official statements

• Firsthand observations

• Community tips

• Interviews

When appropriate, sources may remain confidential to protect privacy or safety. We do not grant anonymity to avoid accountability, but to prevent retaliation or harm.

We independently evaluate the credibility of all information before publication.

SPA may receive financial or in-kind support to cover operational costs.

• Sponsors do not influence editorial content

• Sponsors may remain anonymous

• Support does not imply endorsement of any specific viewpoint

Editorial independence is maintained at all times.

SPA is staffed by volunteers and does not maintain full-time moderation capacity.

To protect volunteers and maintain a focused, professional environment:

• We may not host open public comment threads on our website

• We may limit or disable comments on social platforms

• We may remove content that includes harassment, threats, personal attacks, bullying, private information, or suspicious links

Readers are encouraged to contact us directly with information, tips, or perspectives.

Our time is prioritized toward research and reporting rather than moderating online disputes.

SPA complies with applicable federal and Kentucky laws regarding:

• Defamation

• Harassment

• Privacy

• Copyright

• Public records

We publish in good faith and in the public interest.

Nothing on this site should be interpreted as legal advice or as an allegation of wrongdoing unless explicitly supported by verified facts.

Our responsibility is to the community, not to personalities.

We aim to inform, not to fame or inflame.

We focus on facts, transparency, and accountability — and we treat all individuals with basic respect and fairness with an expectation of the same in return.