Journoist
Last updated: January 2026
1. Purpose of the Opinion Section
Journoist publishes opinion content to encourage rigorous debate, critical thinking, and plural perspectives on public affairs. Opinion pieces exist to interpret, argue, and challenge—not to masquerade as reporting.
Opinion is not news. News is not opinion. We do not blur the two.
2. Clear Separation From News
Opinion content is:
- Clearly labeled as Opinion, Analysis, or Commentary
- Visually and structurally distinct from news reports
- Never presented in news sections or feeds without disclosure
News articles must remain neutral, evidence-based, and independently verifiable. Opinion writers may argue positions, but they do not define facts.
3. What Qualifies as Opinion
Opinion content includes:
- Columns expressing viewpoints or arguments
- Essays interpreting political, social, or economic developments
- Critiques of policy, power, institutions, or ideology
- First-person perspectives grounded in experience or expertise
Opinion pieces may be strongly worded. They may be unpopular. They may challenge power. They may not distort facts.
4. Standards of Accuracy
Opinion is not exempt from factual responsibility.
- All factual assertions must be accurate
- Statistics, quotes, and claims must be sourced
- Errors of fact are subject to correction
Arguments may be disputed. Facts may not be invented.
5. Independence of Contributors
Opinion contributors:
- Write in their own voice
- Do not represent Journoist’s editorial position unless explicitly stated
- Are responsible for their arguments and disclosures
Journoist does not require ideological alignment from contributors. Diversity of viewpoint is intentional, not accidental.
6. Conflicts of Interest
Opinion contributors must disclose:
- Financial interests related to the subject
- Political affiliations or campaign involvement
- Institutional ties that may affect perspective
Undisclosed conflicts may result in rejection, correction, or removal of content.
7. What Journoist Does Not Publish
Journoist does not publish opinion content that:
- Promotes hate, discrimination, or dehumanization
- Incites violence or harassment
- Spreads demonstrably false claims
- Serves as undisclosed propaganda or lobbying
- Attacks private individuals without public-interest justification
Strong criticism of public figures and institutions is permitted. Personal abuse is not.
8. Use of Language and Tone
Opinion writing may be forceful, critical, or provocative, but it must remain:
- Intellectually honest
- Grounded in evidence
- Focused on ideas, policies, and actions—not personal traits
Rhetorical flourish does not excuse distortion.
9. Editorial Oversight
All opinion submissions are edited for:
- Clarity
- Factual accuracy
- Ethical compliance
- Legal risk
Journoist reserves the right to reject, revise, or contextualize opinion pieces without obligation to publish.
10. Corrections and Accountability
Errors in opinion content are corrected with the same transparency as news reporting.
Disputed interpretations may remain. Incorrect facts will not.
Journoist believes opinion journalism should illuminate, not inflame; argue, not deceive; challenge, not obscure.