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Letter from the The Pembroke Citizen Journal Staff
- Mathilda Burke
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Community Focus. Community Forward.
Welcome to The Pembroke Citizen Journal – a first-of-its kind free online newspaper created for and by the citizens of Pembroke.
Our team includes editors, writers, multi-media designers, and administrative specialists who reflect the remarkable talent within our community. Together we are dedicated to delivering news about the issues, people and decisions that shape our town and region.
Years ago, The Boston Globe remarked that Pembroke “hasn’t changed since Miles Standish went through.” But we know from our lived experience that a tremendous amount change has happened – and continues to happen – all around us. Our goal is to help you stay informed, connected, and engaged as our town evolves.
What began more than two years ago as a small, enthusiastic group has grown into a vibrant team numbering in the dozens – and is still expanding. Our mission is to provide fair, accurate and independent reporting. And we are working to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by the community we serve.
In this inaugural edition, you’ll find a wide range of stories we hope you’ll find interesting, engaging and enjoyable – with much more to come. Our coverage wish list is long and growing, so we encourage you to follow us and spread the word.
Be a part of our journey and our commitment to Community Focus. Community Forward.
Respectfully,
The Pembroke Citizen Journal Staff
Pembroke Citizen Journal About Us
Community Focus. Community Forward
About Us
The mission of The Pembroke Citizen Journal is to deliver accurate, balanced coverage of the issues that shape life in our town to keep you informed, connected, and engaged in the community.
This free online newspaper is created by a team of community members who share a vision to strengthen our community focus and move our community forward — with your support.
Here are the many ways you can support and grow our work:
Share PCJ with Friends & Neighbors | |
Become an Advertiser | Email: editorpcj@gmail.com |
Submit a Story Idea | Email: editorpcj@gmail.com |
Submit an Obituary | Email: editorpcj@gmail.com |
Meet our Team | |
Join our Team | Email: editorpcj@gmail.com |
PCJ Ethics and Policies
The Pembroke Citizen Journal is committed to providing fair, accurate and independent news for and about the Pembroke community and surrounding areas.
The Pembroke Citizen Journal does not endorse or favor any candidate for public office in our coverage. Our goal is to inform and educate the public, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. All reporting must be factually accurate, clearly sourced, and verified before publication. Above all, our reporters are committed to listening to and respecting all members of the community. We approach every interview and story impartially, balancing the public’s right to know with respect for the individuals involved. Stories should represent multiple perspectives when appropriate. We do not publish unverified rumors or one-sided accounts.
Independence
Our volunteer reporters will avoid all conflicts of interest. They do not accept payment or gifts from sources, or from any person, company or organization that is the subject of their reporting. They will not participate in partisan political activities related to the Pembroke community, and surrounding communities, that will jeopardize their journalistic neutrality. They will not misrepresent their identity or occupation. They will always present their press credentials when reporting.
Sources
We seek a broad range of sources, including decision-makers, individuals affected by decisions, and subject-matter experts who can provide context and background.
We identify sources by name except in rare circumstances when doing so could place them at risk or subject them to retribution. If a source requests anonymity, we make every effort to verify the information through additional sources. A source could be a relevant document.
Reporters identify themselves as representatives of PCJ and make clear that conversations are on the record and may be published. Requests for “OFF the record,” or “on background” status must be discussed with an editor before being granted.
Sources do not preview, edit or approve stories prior to publication. In cases involving complex or technical information, a reporter may read back specific passages to a source solely to confirm factual accuracy.
Corrections
When we make an error, we publish a correction as soon as possible.
Social Media
We may use social media to identify potential sources and gather publicly available statements with proper attribution, to verify the accuracy of social media content before including it in our reporting, or to find and feature links to relevant documents or previous reporting when appropriate.
Social media will not be used to express personal opinions that could compromise impartiality, promote products, businesses, political parties, candidates, or ideologies.
Transparency
PCJ volunteer reporters will respect copyright laws and properly attribute the work of others. They will clearly distinguish between firsthand reporting and material sourced from other media or external organizations and clearly label press releases or other unedited submissions so they are distinguishable from independently reported news. Editorial decisions are independent of advertising relationships. Paid content will always be clearly labeled as “Sponsored” or “Advertisement.”
We are currently a volunteer-based newspaper with plans to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We will remain transparent about our sources of revenue, including charitable donations. When appropriate, we will include disclaimers in stories involving featured individuals, businesses or organizations that are donors, sponsors, or advertisers.
The PCJ Editorial Committee reserves the right to refuse any advertisement, sponsorship or donation.
Once established as a 501(c)(3) the Pembroke Citizen Journal will publish formal charitable donation guidelines and post the names of donors on our website unless anonymity is requested. Donors and advertisers will have no editorial influence over our content.
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