Last Update Dec 1 2025 3:00AM
The Waterbury Times is committed to accuracy, fairness, transparency, and public accountability. As a Public Benefit Corporation and a community-driven newsroom, we follow high journalistic standards to ensure the people of Waterbury receive trustworthy, ethical, and community-centered reporting.
1. Accuracy & Verification
We verify all information before it is published.
- We confirm facts through reliable sources, documents, or on-the-ground reporting.
- We seek multiple perspectives whenever possible.
- We do not publish rumors or unverified claims.
- If information is developing, we clearly label updates and revisions.
Accuracy is our highest obligation to the public.
2. Fairness & Independence
We report without favor, pressure, or influence.
- We avoid conflicts of interest in all reporting.
- We do not accept payment to shape news coverage.
- We distinguish clearly between news, opinion, and sponsored material.
- When covering sensitive community issues, we approach all sides with respect.
Our loyalty is to the truth and to the people of Waterbury.
3. Transparency With Our Readers
We are open about how we gather news.
- Stories include sourcing details whenever appropriate.
- If anonymity is granted, we explain why and how the source’s information was verified.
- Any partnerships, sponsorships, or contributions that influence coverage are disclosed.
Transparency strengthens community trust.
4. Corrections & Accountability
Our Corrections Policy is simple:
- If we make an error, we correct it promptly.
- Corrections are clearly labeled and timestamped.
- Significant updates to evolving stories are noted at the top or bottom of the article.
- Readers may report corrections directly to our editor.
We maintain a dedicated Corrections Page as part of our public accountability mission.
5. Use of AI & Digital Tools
The Waterbury Times uses AI only as an aid — never as a replacement for journalism.
- AI is not used to fabricate quotes, events, or reporting.
- All published content is reviewed, edited, and approved by our human editor.
- Photography, reporting, and verification are human-led.
Authenticity is essential to ethical local journalism.
6. Breaking News Standards
For urgent or breaking stories:
- We prioritize speed without sacrificing accuracy.
- If full details are not yet confirmed, we clearly say so.
- We update stories as new information arrives.
Breaking news requires balance — urgency with responsibility.
7. Community Reporting Values
As a Waterbury-first newsroom:
- We uplift community voices.
- We cover neighborhoods fairly and without bias.
- We avoid sensationalism, especially in crime reporting.
- We protect minors and victims of sensitive incidents.
Respect for the community is central to our mission.
8. Photos, Video & On-Site Reporting
- All media we publish is original unless stated otherwise.
- We avoid graphic or harmful visuals unless essential to public interest.
- We identify digitally altered or submitted images when relevant.
Visual integrity is part of ethical journalism.
9. Diversity, Equity & Representation
We strive for coverage that reflects the full Waterbury community.
- We include voices from all neighborhoods and backgrounds.
- We avoid stereotypes and stigmatizing language.
- We handle marginalized stories with care and context.
Representation matters — in the stories we choose and how we tell them.
10. Public Benefit Commitment
As part of Parker Jane Public Benefit Corporation, The Waterbury Times commits to:
- Ethical community-based journalism
- Civic education & engagement
- Local storytelling that strengthens identity
- Reentry awareness and restorative narratives
Our journalism serves a social purpose — not just an audience.
📩 Contact for Questions or Concerns
Readers may contact our editor at:
DMLIVINGSTON@thewaterburytimes.com
We welcome feedback, corrections, and dialogue.
The Waterbury Times- Waterbury,CT Local News 