Our standard is source-led reporting that makes the New York connection clear and keeps the limits of the evidence visible.
Sources and verification
- Start with primary sources: public records, official data, research papers, court documents and original announcements.
- Link to the sources supporting material claims. Attribute other publishers’ original reporting.
- A press release verifies what its issuer announced, not whether a promised outcome happened.
- Check dates and distinguish a completed event, a scheduled event and a proposal. Historical context must not masquerade as breaking news.
- Leave out claims we cannot support. Attribute allegations and give relevant context.
Fact, analysis and opinion
Separate established facts from interpretation. Label analysis and opinion. Do not manufacture quotations, interviews, first-person experiences or eyewitness accounts. Explain meaningful uncertainty and avoid overstating what a study or statistic proves.
New York and the wider world
Local coverage should have a concrete connection to New York. A campus, company or cultural connection needs evidence. We do not turn unrelated Hong Kong stories into New York stories by changing a headline.
Photographs and illustrations
Use images with a documented basis for publication. Credit photographers and sources, observe license conditions, and identify illustrative or archival images where their use could mislead. A caption must not imply that a photograph shows the specific event being reported unless it does.
Independence
Commercial material, if introduced, must be clearly labeled and kept distinguishable from editorial reporting. Relevant conflicts of interest should be disclosed. Linking to a business, event or source is not an endorsement.
Accountability
Material errors require a visible correction explaining what changed. Read our corrections process and publication disclosure. Send concerns to TockHK@tockhk.com.