Editorial

How we review every story

Community storytelling only works when readers trust the process behind it. These are the standards our editorial team applies to every submission before publication.

Editor reviewing a community story submission with checklist and notes

Verification

Every submission is read by at least one editor who confirms the contributor was present at the incident or has direct knowledge. We contact contributors by phone or email when details are unclear. Submissions with supporting photo or video evidence receive expedited review but are not automatically approved — media can be misleading without context.

Rewriting for clarity

We rewrite submissions into clear, readable narratives while preserving factual accuracy. Headlines are written to reflect the contributor's perspective, often using direct quotes or attributed observations. We do not sensationalise beyond what the evidence supports.

Privacy and redaction

We redact full names of private individuals, NRIC numbers, residential unit numbers, vehicle licence plates, and phone numbers unless the subject is a public figure or the information is already in the public domain through official channels. Children are never identified by name.

Corrections

If a published story contains a factual error, email us at [email protected] with evidence of the correction. We update the story within 48 hours and note the change at the bottom of the article with a timestamp. Serious errors may result in retraction.

Conflicts of interest

Editors do not review stories involving themselves, their families, or their employers. Paid partnerships and sponsored content are clearly labelled at the top of the affected page and do not influence editorial decisions on community submissions.

Legal review

Stories that may implicate defamation, contempt of court, or the Protection from Harassment Act are reviewed by our legal researcher before publication. We err on the side of caution when private individuals are named, even in redacted form.