Davidson Press
Editorial Standards
The principles that govern everything we publish — and the accountability we hold ourselves to.
Last updated: May 2026
Official Seal
Davidson Press
Editor: John Davidson
These standards are personally upheld by John Davidson and apply to all content published under the Davidson Press name.
A Message from the Editor
We hold ourselves to the highest standard — because the public deserves nothing less.
Davidson Press was founded on a single principle: tell the truth, without compromise. In a media landscape where noise has replaced nuance and clicks have replaced credibility, we are committed to doing journalism the right way.
These editorial standards are not aspirational. They are operational. Every story, every headline, every investigation is assessed against these principles before it is published under our name.
We are independent. We are accountable. And we are here for the long game.
— John Davidson, Founder & Editor
Section 01
Accuracy & Verification
Every claim published by Davidson Press must be independently verified before publication. We do not speculate. We do not sensationalise. We report what we can prove.
All factual claims are verified with a minimum of two independent sources where possible.
Unverified information is clearly labelled as developing, alleged, or unconfirmed.
We correct errors promptly, prominently, and without concealment — see our Corrections Policy.
Headline claims must always be supported by the body of the article.
Statistics and data are sourced directly from their originating body and never misrepresented.
Section 02
Editorial Independence
Davidson Press is independently owned and funded. No advertiser, funder, political party, or outside interest has editorial influence over our reporting.
Editorial decisions are made solely by John Davidson as founding editor.
Commercial relationships, if any, are disclosed clearly and do not affect editorial content.
We do not accept free travel, gifts, or incentives that could compromise editorial integrity.
No story is killed, softened, or altered due to external commercial or political pressure.
We report on public figures and institutions equally, regardless of political affiliation.
Section 03
Fairness & Impartiality
We pursue truth — not a particular narrative. Where matters are genuinely contested, we represent multiple perspectives and give subjects the right to respond.
Individuals or organisations criticised in a story are always offered the opportunity to respond.
Where responses are declined or not received, this is clearly stated in the article.
Opinion and analysis are clearly distinguished from news reporting.
We do not allow personal bias to distort factual coverage.
Vulnerable individuals are treated with particular care and sensitivity.
Section 04
Sources & Confidentiality
We protect our sources. Confidential sources are used only when the information is in the public interest and cannot be obtained through other means.
The identity of confidential sources is never disclosed without explicit consent.
We do not pay sources for information unless in exceptional and disclosed circumstances.
Documents obtained for investigations are verified for authenticity before publication.
We do not receive or publish material we know or suspect to have been obtained illegally.
Source agreements are clearly established before information is accepted.
Section 05
Minimising Harm
The public interest must always be weighed against the potential harm caused by publication. We take this responsibility seriously.
We do not publish images or information that could endanger a person's safety.
The identities of children are protected in all reporting unless there is an overriding public interest.
Victims of crime — particularly sexual offences — are never identified without consent.
Reporting on mental health and suicide follows safe messaging guidelines.
We approach grief, trauma, and personal tragedy with care and dignity.
Section 06
Investigations Standard
Investigations carry our highest editorial standard. Every investigation published under the Davidson Press name is held to a stricter burden of proof.
All investigation documents are assigned a Case Reference number for traceability.
Documents are stamped and verified under the Davidson Press Official Seal.
Investigations are not published until the Editor is satisfied all key claims can be defended.
Where allegations are made, subjects are always contacted for comment before publication.
All active investigations are reviewed for accuracy at regular intervals and updated accordingly.
Section 07
Community Contributions
Davidson Press welcomes tips, eyewitness accounts, and community-led reporting. Contributions are assessed against the same editorial standards as in-house journalism.
All community submissions are reviewed by the editor before publication.
Contributor identities are protected where requested.
We do not publish unverified community claims as fact.
Contributors whose material is used are credited unless anonymity is requested.
Tips and tip-offs are treated in strict confidence.
Accountability
When we get it wrong,
we say so — clearly and immediately.
Errors of fact are corrected as soon as they are identified. Corrections are published in the same position as the original error, labelled clearly, and never quietly deleted. Our Corrections Policy governs how we handle each case.
Our Process
Verification Process
Every story published by Davidson Press passes through a rigorous verification workflow before it reaches the public. This is how we ensure what we publish is accurate, fair, and defensible.
Source Identification & Gathering
All factual claims must be attributable to identified, credible sources. Primary documentation — official records, court filings, correspondence, financial disclosures — is prioritised. Anonymous sources are used only when information cannot be obtained otherwise and is clearly in the public interest.
Independent Corroboration
Key claims are corroborated with at least two independent sources. Where a single-source claim must be published (e.g. breaking developments), it is clearly labelled as unconfirmed or developing. No single-source allegation is presented as established fact.
Editorial Review & Right of Reply
Before publication, the editor reviews all material for accuracy, fairness, and legal compliance. Subjects of allegations or criticism are contacted for comment. Responses — or the absence of a response — are included in the published article.
Publication & Ongoing Monitoring
Once published, stories remain subject to ongoing review. New evidence or corrections are incorporated transparently. Developing stories are updated with timestamped entries. The integrity of the published record is maintained indefinitely.
Corrections & Retractions
Our Corrections Policy
When we get it wrong, we say so — clearly, promptly, and without concealment. We do not quietly amend articles or delete errors. Our corrections record is public and permanent.
Factual Corrections
Errors of fact are corrected in-article with a visible correction notice stating what was wrong and what is now accurate. The original error is not deleted.
Clarifications
Where wording may have been misleading but not factually incorrect, a clarification is added to provide additional context.
Retractions
In rare cases where a story is found to be fundamentally unsound, the article is retracted with a full public statement explaining the reason.
Timeline
Corrections are made within 24 hours of an error being identified and confirmed. Where verification is required, the article is flagged as under review.
If you believe Davidson Press has published an error, you may report it via our secure contact form. All correction requests are reviewed by the editor personally.
Our Commitment
Source Protection & Confidentiality
Davidson Press will never reveal the identity of a confidential source. This commitment is unconditional and applies regardless of external pressure, legal threat, or commercial interest.
All communications with sources are handled using end-to-end encrypted channels. Tip submissions through our secure form are stored in encrypted storage accessible only to the editor. We do not retain metadata that could identify a source against their wishes.
This protection is a legal and ethical duty under the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 10), the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Editors' Code of Practice (Clause 14 — Confidential sources).