Made Local Magazine covers the people, places, businesses and ideas shaping Sonoma County. Trust with our readers and community is central to that work. These standards apply to our journalism in print, online, newsletters, social media and other platforms.
We are guided by the principles of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent.
Accuracy
We work to get facts right before publication. Writers and editors verify information with reliable sources, seek responses from people or organizations who are the subject of significant criticism, and clearly attribute information. When facts are disputed, we make that clear.
We do not publish rumor as fact or knowingly misrepresent quotes, sources or events.
Corrections
When we make a factual error, we correct it promptly and transparently.
Online corrections are made in the story and accompanied by a note explaining the substantive change. Print corrections appear in the next available issue when appropriate. Errors in newsletters or social media may also be corrected on those platforms.
Clarifications may be added when accurate information requires additional context. Updates to developing stories are identified as updates rather than corrections. Minor spelling, grammar or formatting fixes that do not change meaning may be made without a correction notice.
To request a correction, contact dhowell@madelocalmagazine.com or 707-776-6909 with the story title, publication date and nature of the concern.
Sources and Attribution
We identify sources whenever possible and clearly credit information and reporting that originated elsewhere.
Anonymous sources are used sparingly, when the information is important and the source has a legitimate reason to remain unnamed. An editor must know the source’s identity.
Quotes must accurately represent what a person said. We may remove verbal stumbles or lightly edit for clarity without changing meaning.
Plagiarism, fabricated quotes, invented sources or fabricated scenes are prohibited.
Independence and Conflicts
Editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, sponsors and business partners. Purchasing advertising does not guarantee coverage, and editorial coverage does not depend on purchasing advertising.
Contributors should disclose relationships, financial interests or personal involvement that could create a meaningful conflict of interest. Editors may reassign or decline coverage when necessary.
News, Opinion and Paid Content
We distinguish among journalism, opinion and advertising.
News and feature reporting is edited for accuracy and fairness. Columns, essays and other opinion work represent the views of their authors. Sponsored or paid content is clearly identified so readers can distinguish it from independent editorial coverage.
Technology and AI
We may use digital or AI-assisted tools for tasks such as transcription, research organization or production. Published journalism remains subject to human reporting, editing, verification and editorial responsibility.
Photography and Visuals
Documentary photographs should accurately represent the subjects and circumstances depicted. Routine cropping, toning and color correction are permitted. Illustrations, composites or substantially altered images are identified when necessary to avoid misleading readers.
Privacy and Harm
We balance the public value of information against potential harm. Particular care is taken when reporting about minors, victims of crime, people experiencing tragedy and others in vulnerable circumstances.
Diverse and Community-Based Sourcing
Sonoma County contains many communities, industries, cultures and perspectives. We strive to reflect that range in our contributors, sources, subjects, photography and story selection, and to seek voices beyond the institutions and individuals most frequently represented in local media.
Accountability
Questions, complaints, corrections and other feedback about our journalism are welcome.
Contact:
Daedalus Howell, Publisher
dhowell@madelocalmagazine.com
707-776-6909
We review these standards periodically and update this page when our practices change.
Ownership and Funding
Made Local Magazine is an independent publication of FMRL LLC. Its journalism is supported primarily through advertising, sponsorships, partnerships and other publishing revenue. Advertisers, sponsors and outside organizations do not direct editorial coverage.
Effective July 1, 2026 | Last reviewed August 1, 2026