Verification before publication
Every reported story names its sources or explains why a source is unnamed. Documents, meeting minutes and data are linked whenever they exist publicly. If we could not confirm something, we say so in the story.
Trust
Editorial and community standards
Dayton Talks is two things under one roof: a professional local newsroom and a place where neighbors talk. These are the rules that keep both honest.
Newsroom standards
Clear labeling
Reported news, analysis, opinion and community posts carry distinct labels and distinct visual treatment. A neighbor's post is never presented as newsroom reporting, and our reporting is never dressed up as a conversation.
Corrections
When we get something wrong we fix it at the top of the story, describe what changed and note the date. We do not quietly edit published work.
Independence and disclosure
Advertisers, sponsors and business directory members receive no coverage consideration. When a story touches an organization we have a relationship with, we disclose it in the story.
People over clicks
We avoid mugshot galleries, crime-blotter churn and outrage framing. We write about problems alongside the people trying to solve them.
Community ground rules
- Use your real name. Neighbors talk to neighbors here.
- Disagree with the argument, not the person. No slurs, harassment or pile-ons.
- No misinformation about elections, public health or emergencies.
- No doxxing, no photos of people's homes without reason, no vigilante posts.
- Local businesses are welcome to participate — as neighbors, not as billboards.
Something to tell us?
Send a correction, a tip or a story about a neighbor doing good work.