Standards & Practices

Golden Gate Xpress is dedicated to reporting stories accurately and correctly quoting/citing our sources. In the era of digital media, we recognize the persisting influence of our published articles online. As journalists, our foremost responsibility is to deliver stories factually, ethically and transparently, prioritizing the integrity of our reporting above all else.

By agreeing to be interviewed by an GGX reporter, you are agreeing to be a part of a story that will remain on our site indefinitely. However, GGX and its editors understand the importance of building a system of trust and must put the safety and well-being of our sources first over compelling published articles. These situations will be dealt with thoughtfully and we’ll be willing to issue changes in dire circumstances.

We sincerely value the fairness and honesty of reporting and strive to work with sources to publish a story that is serviceable to all parties.

Ethics Policy 

Golden Gate Xpress’ staff abides by AP Style to ensure the unbiased use of wording, and the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics to guarantee we remain transparent, accountable, and responsible.

Staff are prohibited from accepting free gifts, meals and other amenities from sources. All offers should be declined unless it is free to access as part of their journalistic coverage of events.

Corrections Policy 

Golden Gate Xpress is committed to making prompt corrections of factual errors.

Correction requests can be sent to [email protected]. In the email, please provide any evidence you have, including the link to the story you believe needs a factual correction.

How we handle corrections:

• When a story contains a significant error, the correction will appear in italics at the bottom of the story and the body text of the article will be updated as well. In unusual situations, we may append “clarifications” or an editor’s note explaining the context.
• A story containing minor errors will be corrected as quickly as possible without an italicized correction notice.
• When a story contains a misspelling or other typos that do not affect the accuracy of the story, editors may correct those mistakes. These fixes do not require an italicized correction notice.

Removal of published material 

Upon request to remove or retract any content, including photos or statements made on the record, the content will not be taken down, as it was accurate at the time of publication. In circumstances where we determine that a significant error(s) in a story is beyond repair, we will completely remove the article and limit its discoverability through search engines by de-indexing tags and leaving an editor’s note in place of the content.

Anonymous sources

Golden Gate Xpress follows The Society of Professional Journalists’ guidance on anonymous sources. Staff members should identify sources when feasible. Anonymity is allowed when sources may face danger, retribution or legal repercussions. Writers must consult with their editors before granting a source anonymity. If anonymity is granted, the reason will be stated either within the body of the story or in italics at the bottom of the article.

Copyright and Permissions 

Golden Gate Xpress is a student-run publication and official course within the Journalism Dept. course requirements. By enrolling, students grant permission for the indefinite use of any material produced for this class online, on social media or in the journalism program. This includes unpublished content. Students retain copyrights to their work and the right to sell their work after it has appeared on GGX or after the end of the semester.  Any requests for photos that have already been published will be redirected/advised to contact the photographers themselves.