Reality Rumors has a robust set of Editorial Guidelines that all our writers and contributors are required to abide by.
They reflect our standards and ethical values we uphold are written in accordance with the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, as well as the integrity and transparency stipulated by The Trust Project.
Please make sure you read through our editorial guidelines and ensure you fully understand SPJ codes before you start writing for Reality Rumors.
Mission Statement and Coverage Priorities
Reality Rumors aims to be a leading source of reality TV news, entertainment stories and opinion about the things our readers love.
We cover a variety of topics but specialize in reality TV, celebrity rumors and news.
We publish both reality and rumor but label our articles to reflect that so we are always clear with our readers about which of those two they are reading.
Here are Reality Rumors, we focus on writing that is entertaining, well-sourced, and easy to write. Wherever possible, we try to use writers who have in-depth knowledge about the topic they are covering.
Unnamed Sources
Reality Rumors avoid using unnamed sources wherever possible unless anonymity is absolutely fundamental to protect that source from harm.
Where an anonymous source is used, we ensure their identity is protected at all costs. We make sure to reveal no information that may unintentionally identify them.
In addition, we will always protect the anonymity of those who hold the legal rights not to be identified.
Editorial Ethics
Reality Rumors’ journalists must always cover the news in a manner that reports the facts seeking the truth. Our writers must go above and beyond to uncover every story, and must ensure every bit is accurate and fair.
We must always make sure to:
Do everything we can to verify stories before publication, and ensure our articles convey the information honestly and accurately. If we are unable to do so, we must explain this to our readers.
Avoid inaccuracies and errors at all costs, and correct errors that are brought to our attention.
Know that there are always two sides to a coin to every story, and strive to uncover all perspectives before presenting them.
Always give people the opportunity to comment on potentially harmful allegations made against them. If a person or organization is accused of wrongdoing, we must give them the opportunity to comment on the claims made.
Use original sources, and always make sure to cite them.
Avoid plagiarism at all costs.
Avoid sensationalizing stories.
Continue to update articles if the situation around a story changes over time, or alternatively update readers on the latest details by publishing a new article, and linking to it from the old story.
Always obtain information in an honest and open way unless the evidence cannot be uncovered by traditional means.
Uphold the principles of freedom of speech, and expression, and allow people the chance to present different views.
Differentiate between reality and rumors. Reality Rumors provide clear labels on all its articles.
Not accept gifts that allow journalists or the company to profit materially in exchange for the publication of a story, and embed or a link in a story.
Avoid conflicts of interest wherever possible.
Remain free of associations and activities that could compromise our integrity as journalists.
Minimizing Harm
Reality Rumors and their journalists must minimize harm to others at all times.
We must always:
Protect people’s right to private life, and refrain from intruding into someone’s personal affairs.
Refrain from publishing or disseminating any articles that could in any way lead to discrimination or hatred based on a person’s race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or otherwise. The GLAAD Media Reference Guide on best practices provides a lot of useful information for journalists when covering transgender people (https://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender). Please also see and follow The Diversity Style Guide (https://www.diversitystyleguide.com/) while covering sensitive topics, and the AP Stylebook’s guide on race-related coverage (https://www.apstylebook.com/race-related-coverage).
Be cautious and compassionate towards those who find themselves in the news.
Seek the permission of the responsible adult when interviewing and photographing a child.
Abide by the law, but above that always consider moral and ethical arguments for publication of a story.
Correction Policy
Reality Rumors will always correct and disclose factual errors that are brought to our attention. When we are alerted to incorrect information in one of our articles, we will rewrite the section of the text to correct the information.
The readers can always see what has been changed, clarified, and corrected on the Corrections and Clarifications page.
How readers can engage with us
Reality Rumors welcomes readers’ feedback and wants everyone to join the conversations we start. We have a comment section on our posts, where readers are encouraged to contribute their thoughts and opinions.
However, we also welcome personal feedback if our readers have ideas or criticism about our site or content, and we always follow up.
If a reader wants to get in touch with a complaint or suggestion, they should contact our editorial team by email at editorial@realityrumors.com.
These guidelines were last updated on June 23, 2022.
