On sourcing
The Register names sources wherever possible. Anonymous sourcing is used only for material that cannot be obtained on the record, and every anonymous quote is approved by the editor-in-chief. We do not pay sources.
On corrections
If we get a fact wrong, we correct it. Corrections are appended to the original article, dated, and signed by the copy chief. Substantive corrections are also flagged in the following morning's Daily Register newsletter. The Register does not silently update stories.
On conflicts of interest
Reporters disclose any financial, familial, or organizational relationship that could plausibly affect their coverage, and recuse themselves from stories where a conflict exists. Staff are barred from holding paid positions with the Cobb County government, the City of Marietta, the Marietta City Schools district, or any organization that lobbies those bodies.
On right of reply
Any individual or organization named in a story of significant criticism is offered a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication. That response — or a summary of it — appears in the story. After publication, complaints about fairness are reviewed by the editor-in-chief; unresolved complaints are escalated to the publisher.
On public records
The Register's open public records archive contains more than 3,400 documents obtained through Georgia Open Records Act requests since 2009. Documents are published as standalone, searchable files and are available to all readers regardless of subscription status.
On tips and confidential contact
Tips can be sent to the newsroom by email, by mail, or through our confidential tipline. We protect the identity of confidential sources and will not publish identifying details without explicit permission. We do not promise anonymity in advance for sources accused of wrongdoing.
On the boundary between news and opinion
News reporting and opinion are produced by separate desks. Op-ed columns and the Sunday editorial are clearly labeled; reporters do not write unsigned editorials and columnists do not file news copy.
Questions about a specific story, a correction, or an ethics matter? Write to [email protected] or contact Copy Chief Sandra Liu directly.
