Our mission and commitment

Enlace Latino NC is North Carolina's first digital, nonprofit, Spanish-language news outlet, led by immigrant journalists, dedicated to serving the state's Latino and Hispanic communities.

Founded in 2018, our mission is to empower the diverse Latino immigrant community in North Carolina to actively participate in the social, political, and economic changes that affect them. Through our independent, nonpartisan, and community-focused journalism, we seek to close critical information gaps, promote equity, and foster the full participation of Latino communities in the democratic life of the state.

This Editorial Independence Policy sets out the principles and standards that guide our work and protect the integrity of our journalism. We are committed to maintaining the trust of our readers through transparency, accountability, and unwavering editorial independence.

I. Editorial Independence

Fundamental principles

Our news organization maintains full authority over all editorial content.  No donor, sponsor, advertiser, partner, board member, or outside entity has any role in determining our news coverage, story assignments, editorial decisions, or the content we publish.

We maintain a strict firewall or barrier between:

  • Editorial decisions and all revenue streams
  • Journalistic criteria and financial considerations
  • Journalistic content and commercial operations

Our journalistic judgments are made independently.  and based solely on:

  • Public interest and community impact
  • News value and relevance to our audience
  • Journalistic standards of accuracy and fairness

Authority to make decisions

  • Editorial staff:  Day-to-day editorial decisions are made exclusively by our newsroom leadership and journalists
  • Board of Directors:  It establishes organizational policy and oversees financial health, but does not make or influence editorial decisions.
  • Donors and sponsors:  They have no role in editorial content, story selection, or coverage decisions.

II. Financing and donor relations

Acceptance of support

We accept donations, grants, and sponsorships from individuals, organizations, and foundations for:

  • General operational support
  • Coverage of specific topics or subject areas
  • Special projects and research
  • Events and community participation

What acceptance does NOT mean

Accepting financial support does not constitute an implied or actual endorsement  from the donors or their:

  • Products or services
  • Opinions or positions
  • Actions or policies
  • Political viewpoints or affiliations

Donor restrictions

We will NOT accept donations from: 

  • Government entities (federal, state, or local)
  • Political parties or political action committees (PACs)
  • Elected officials or candidates actively seeking public office
  • Organizations or individuals that present a conflict of interest with our editorial mission, as determined by our board of directors
  • Sources that could compromise our independence or credibility

We will avoid accepting anonymous donations.  If we accept an anonymous donation for general support, we will ensure that:

  • Sufficient safeguards exist
  • The expense will be incurred independently by our organization.
  • Compliance with the Membership Standards of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN)

Donor rights and limitations

Donors do NOT receive the right to: 

  • Assign stories or topics for coverage
  • Review content before publishing
  • Edit or modify published content
  • Influencing editorial decisions
  • Receive preferential coverage

Donors MAY receive: 

  • Public acknowledgment of their support (unless anonymous)
  • Updates on our work and impact
  • Invitations to public events
  • General information about the coverage areas they support

III. Transparency and disclosure

Public transparency

We are committed to full transparency regarding our financing. We will do the following:

  • Maintain an up-to-date list of donors
  • Update donor information regularly
  • Disclose funding sources

Editorial Dissemination

When we report on our donors: 

  • We will disclose in the article whether the subject of our report is a current donor of Enlace Latino NC
  • The disclosure will feature prominently in the story
  • Example: “Note: [Organization/Individual] is a financial sponsor of Enlace Latino NCThat support does not influence our editorial decisions.”

When a potential conflict exists: 

  • We will evaluate whether to proceed with the story
  • If we proceed, we will disclose the relationship.
  • If the conflict is substantial, we can rewrite history to ensure independence.

IV. Standards and practices

Accuracy and truth

Our data will be accurate, complete, and presented fairly.  We are committed to:

  • Thorough research and verification
  • Multiple sources whenever possible
  • Clear attribution of information
  • Distinction between fact and opinion

Equity and balance

We are committed to fairness in all our work.  This means:

  • Present all sides of complex issues
  • Seeking answers from people portrayed negatively
  • Give subjects a reasonable time to respond before publishing.
  • Avoid surprises—subjects should not be surprised by what we write
  • Integrity—omitting important facts is unfair
  • Honesty—we are frank with the reader

Right to respond

When we report information that portrays an individual or organization in a negative light:

  1. We will make genuine efforts to contact them for feedback.
  2. We will provide a reasonable time for a response (considering the urgency of the story).
  3. We will record in history what efforts were made if we are unable to contact them.
  4. We will be transparent about the response process

Use of anonymous sources

We strive to identify all sources.  We use anonymous sources only when:

  • The source insists on anonymity
  • The source provides vital information—not opinion or speculation
  • There is no other way to obtain the information
  • We know that the source is knowledgeable and reliable.

When we use anonymous sources: 

  • We will describe any significant bias the source may have.
  • Editors can request to know the identity of anonymous sources
  • We will take special care to verify information from anonymous sources
  • We will not say that someone “declined to comment” if they are quoted anonymously.

Identification and behavior

In our reporting, we commit to: 

  • Identifying ourselves as journalists Enlace Latino NC when searching for interviews
  • Do not misrepresent our identity to obtain information
  • Don't pay for interviews
  • Do not accept payment from sources for coverage.
  • Treat all people with respect and dignity

Plagiarism and fabrication

We have zero tolerance for: 

  • Plagiarism—taking credit for the work of others
  • Fabrication—inventing information, quotes, or sources
  • Composite characters or fictional details
  • Manipulating photos or videos to distort reality

Violations will result in immediate termination  of your employment relationship with Enlace Latino NC.

V. Corrections and accountability

When we make mistakes

We acknowledge that despite our best efforts, we will occasionally make mistakes. When we do:

We will correct them: 

  • Completely—explaining what was wrong and what was right
  • Quickly—as soon as we become aware of the error
  • Transparently—noting the correction clearly in the history
  • Without reluctance—without defensiveness

Our correction process: 

  1. The errors are reviewed by the reporter and the editor
  2. The corrections are made in the original story with a note explaining the error.
  3. Significant corrections are added to a public corrections page.
  4. The correction includes the date and nature of the error.

How to report errors or concerns

If you find an error or have concerns about our coverage:

  • Email:  walter@enlacelatinonc.org
  • Subject:  “Request for Correction” or “Editorial Concern”
  • Include:  Specific information about the error and supporting documentation

We will review all submissions and respond promptly.

VI. Conflicts of interest

Organizational conflicts

Our organization will avoid: 

  • Partnering with entities that compromise our independence
  • Accept funds with attached conditions
  • Engaging in activism that conflicts with our nonpartisan journalism
  • Business relationships that create editorial conflicts

When potential conflicts arise: 

  • They will be reviewed by the leadership and the board.
  • We will disclose them when relevant.
  • We will decline coverage if necessary

Staff conflicts of interest

Our editorial staff must: 

  • Disclose personal conflicts related to your coverage
  • Avoid covering organizations where you have significant personal or financial ties.
  • Not to hold positions in organizations that cover
  • Do not accept gifts or favors from sources that could influence coverage

Staff members: 

  • They will complete annual disclosures of conflicts of interest
  • Editors will be notified immediately of potential conflicts.
  • They will decline coverage when appropriate
  • They will seek guidance when situations are unclear

Financial interest

Editorial staff cannot: 

  • Owning shares in companies that cover
  • Accepting free products or services from sources
  • Accepting travel or expenses paid for by sources (with rare exceptions approved by leadership)
  • Participate in short-term securities trading
  • Using information obtained through work for personal financial gain

VII. Political activity and partisanship

Organizational stance

Enlace Latino NC It is non-partisan.  Us:

  • We do not endorse political candidates.
  • We do not contribute to political campaigns or parties.
  • We do not advocate for specific partisan positions
  • We cover all sides of political issues fairly.

Political activity of the staff

Editorial staff must refrain from: 

  • Making political contributions
  • Displaying political signals or wearing campaign attire
  • Attending partisan political rallies or events
  • Working on political campaigns
  • To occupy positions in partisan political organizations

Staff CAN: 

  • Vote (we encourage you!)
  • Participate in non-partisan civic activities
  • Supporting issue-oriented causes (with the editor's knowledge)
  • Attending events as journalists to cover them

When in doubt about an activity, staff should consult with their editor. 

VIII. Sponsored Content and Advertising

Our Policy

We clearly separate editorial content from sponsored content and advertising.

Editorial content: 

  • It is produced independently by our journalists
  • It reflects only our editorial opinion
  • Never influenced by advertisers or sponsors

Sponsored Content: 

  • It will be clearly labeled as “Sponsored Content”
  • It will not be written or edited by our editorial staff.
  • The views expressed do not reflect those of Enlace Latino NC
  • We reserve the right to reject content that undermines our integrity

Advertising: 

  • It is clearly distinguished from editorial content
  • Ads cannot be placed to appear as endorsements of our coverage.
  • We do not give advertisers preferential editorial treatment

IX. Community participation and social networks

Community relations

We believe in committed journalism.  Us:

  • We listen to our community
  • We attend community events
  • We are seeking opinions on coverage priorities
  • We build relationships based on trust

However, we maintain our independence: 

  • Community opinion informs but does not determine coverage
  • We report difficult stories even when they affect partners
  • We maintain professional boundaries.

Social Media

Our staff's social media activity: 

  • You must maintain our standards of fairness and accuracy
  • You must not express partisan political views
  • It should not create an appearance of bias on topics covered
  • He represents them personally but reflects in Enlace Latino NC

Guidelines: 

  • Share our work and interact with readers
  • Avoid inflammatory or partisan comments
  • Be respectful in all interactions
  • Understand that online activity is public and permanent

X. Governance and supervision

Editorial leadership

Editor-in-Chief or Chief Executive Officer: 

  • He has authority over all editorial content.
  • Ensure adherence to this policy
  • Resolves ethical questions and conflicts
  • It represents the independence of the editorial staff

Editorial team: 

  • Make daily coverage decisions
  • It maintains editorial standards
  • Review potential conflicts
  • Handles corrections and reader concerns

Board of Directors

The Board: 

  • Establish the organizational policy
  • Monitors financial sustainability
  • Hire and evaluate executive leadership
  • Ensure compliance with regulations for non-profit organizations

The Board NO: 

  • Make editorial decisions
  • Assigns stories or influences coverage
  • Review content before publishing
  • It annuls the editorial judgment.

Board members who are the subject of news coverage: 

  • They are covered like any other subject
  • They do not receive advance notice or approval rights
  • They may be cited or contacted as other sources

XI. Use of Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence and Automation

We are committed to the responsible use of technology,  while maintaining human oversight and editorial judgment.

We will NOT do: 

  • Using AI to replace journalists or original reporting
  • Publish AI-generated text without thorough verification and editing
  • Using generative AI as a primary source of information
  • Trusting AI-generated content without disclosure

WE CAN use AI tools to: 

  • Data analysis and visualization
  • Interview transcripts
  • Translation assistance (with human review)
  • Research and background information (with verification)
  • SEO optimization and headline testing
  • Generate coverage ideas and questions
  • Generate text ideas that complement the original information

When we use AI tools: 

  • Journalists will disclose to editors their use of AI in reporting
  • We will independently verify any information obtained through AI
  • We will remain aware of the limitations and biases of AI
  • We will inform readers when AI has played a significant role in content production

XII. Partnerships and content sharing

Publishing associations

We collaborate with other news organizations  to broaden our reach and impact. In partnerships:

  • We maintain editorial independence
  • We retain the right to make our own editorial decisions
  • Partners do not control or influence our coverage
  • We publicize the associations to the readers

Content republication

Our content is available for republication  under a Creative Commons license with these conditions:

  • You must accredit Enlace Latino NC
  • You cannot edit our content (except for length/style)
  • You may not use it for commercial purposes.
  • You must link back to the original story

The republicans cannot: 

  • To imply that your publication produced our content
  • Edit content in ways that change its meaning
  • Use our content to support products or services

XIII. Compliance and accountability

Monitoring of this policy

All staff, contributors, and board members  must:

  • Read and understand this policy
  • Ask questions when situations are unclear
  • Report potential violations
  • Maintain these standards throughout all work

When questions arise

The most important rule: when in doubt, ask. 

Staff should consult with:

  • Your direct supervisor or editor
  • The Editor-in-Chief or Chief Executive Officer
  • The Chairman of the Board (for board-level concerns)

Report violations

If you observe a potential violation: 

  • Report it to your supervisor or the Editor-in-Chief
  • Reports can be made confidentially.
  • There will be no retaliation for good faith reports
  • We will investigate promptly and take appropriate action.

Violations and consequences

This policy is taken seriously.  Violations can result in:

  • Correction and additional training (minor violations)
  • Formal reprimand
  • Suspension
  • Termination (serious violations such as plagiarism or fabrication)

The severity of the consequences depends on:

  • Nature and intent of the rape
  • Impact on our credibility
  • If it was a first offense
  • Good faith of the individual involved

XIV. Public accountability

Our commitment to you

We serve you, our readers, and our community. You have the right to:

  • Accurate, fair and complete information
  • Transparency about our financing and operations
  • Answers to your concerns and questions
  • Timely corrections when we make mistakes

How to contact us

General inquiries: 

  • Email: info@enlacelatinonc.org
  • WhatsApp: + 1 (919) 520-5159

Report errors or request corrections: 

  • Email: walter@enlacelatinonc.org

Ethical concerns about our coverage: 

  • Email: paola@enlacelatinonc.org

Support our work: 

  • Visit: enlacelatinonc.org

Follow us on social media: 

  • Facebook: @EnlaceLatinoNC
  • Instagram: @enlacelatinonc
  • TikTok: @enlacelatinonc
  • BlueSky: @enlacelatinonc

Subscribe to our newsletters: 

XV. Standards We Follow

This policy is informed by and aligned with:

  • Institute for Nonprofit News (INN)  – Membership Standards
  • Society of Professional Journalists  – Code of Ethics
  • Associated Press  – Statement of Values ​​and Principles of News
  • American Press Institute  – Standards of Journalistic Ethics

We are members of the Institute for Nonprofit News and adhere to its standards of editorial independence and excellence.

XVI. Living Document

This Editorial Independence Policy is a living document that will evolve as our organization grows and journalism adapts to new technologies and challenges.

We will review and update this policy: 

  • Annually, at least
  • When significant changes occur in our organization
  • When new ethical challenges arise
  • Based on lessons learned from our work

Changes to this policy: 

  • They will be discussed with the staff and the board
  • They will be publicly published on our website.
  • They will be dated to show when the updates were made.

Current version:  November 3, 2025

Last update:  November 3, 2025

Our promise

Enlace Latino NC It exists to empower the diverse Latino immigrant community in North Carolina with journalism that is:

✓ Independient  – Free from external influence and led by immigrant journalists ✓ I need  – Thoroughly researched and verified ✓ Fair  – Balanced and complete ✓ Transparent  – Open about our methods and financing ✓ Responsible and adaptable  – We take responsibility for our mistakes ✓ Community Focused  – Focused on the needs of Latino and Hispanic communities ✓ Nonpartisan  – We cover all sides of political issues fairly ✓ Accessible  – In Spanish and free for everyone

This policy protects that promise. It ensures that our journalism serves only one master: the public interest and the empowerment of our community.

Thanks for trusting us.