Source Recording Policy

Acme News is committed to accuracy, transparency, and ethical journalism. Recording interviews, meetings, and calls allows us to focus on the conversation rather than taking extensive notes, ensuring accurate reporting and clear attribution.

Under this policy:
- Interview means any scheduled meeting / interview with a reporter either in-person, by phone, or through a video call service.
- Recording means any digital recording either in video and/or audio format. 

• We will always request permission to record at the start of any scheduled interview, meeting, or phone call.

• If permission is not granted, no recording will take place, and our team will rely on detailed notes instead.

• The other party may request that recording stop at any time, and we will honor that request immediately.

• Unless explicitly agreed otherwise, anything said during a recorded conversation is considered on the record.

• If a participant requests to go off the record, we will stop recording and clarify what may or may not be published.

3. Use of Recordings and Transcripts

• Recordings are used to generate transcripts that serve as the primary reference for writing and editing.

• Recordings and transcripts are considered internal editorial materials and are not shared publicly except in limited circumstances (see Section 4).
  
  

Recordings (including transcripts) will not be publicly released except when:

• The other party disputes how they were quoted, and release is necessary to verify accuracy.

• Release is essential to protect Acme News’ credibility.

• There is a significant and compelling public interest.

Any release of a recording must be approved in writing by the Editor-in-Chief or their designee and will be limited to the portion necessary to address the issue.

Additionally, as a news service, Acme News works with partner news outlets and may share recordings and/or transcripts as part of the editorial process. Partner outlets are not permitted to post or release these recordings and/or transcripts without prior approval from Acme News. 

• Recordings and transcripts will be stored securely on Acme News systems with access limited to authorized editorial staff.

• They will typically be retained for 12 months, unless needed for an ongoing investigation, legal matter, or editorial review.
  
  

Acme News complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding consent to record conversations, including two-party consent requirements where applicable.