Editorial standards.

Accuracy, transparent sourcing and fair attribution guide every Verbal report.

Evidence and attribution

We identify the origin of consequential claims. Firsthand accounts are attributed to the person providing them. Public guidance is linked to the agency or organization that issued it. We do not present an allegation as an independently established fact.

Verification

Where relevant, reporting may examine original messages, account records, screenshots, public documents and responses from named organizations. Articles disclose when material evidence was not available for independent review.

Fairness

People and organizations facing meaningful criticism should have a reasonable opportunity to respond when practicable. Their response—or the absence of one by publication time—should be described fairly.

Dates and updates

Publication dates describe when an article first appeared. A visible update date is added when substantive reporting changes. Dates are not altered merely to make older material appear new.

Automation

Digital tools may assist research, transcription, editing or technical production. Editorial responsibility remains with the publication, and factual claims must still be checked against reliable sources.

Corrections

Material errors are corrected promptly and transparently under our corrections policy.