Publishing an allegation is a heavy responsibility that requires a meticulous approach to balance and fairness. At GroundLens, we believe that an investigative piece is incomplete without a genuine effort to include the perspective of the accused. This 'Right to Respond' is not just a legal formality but an ethical necessity for high-integrity journalism.
The Outreach Process
When our investigations uncover potential wrongdoing, we reach out to the relevant parties with specific questions and a reasonable deadline. This allows them to clarify facts, provide missing context, or present evidence that might alter the trajectory of the story. We document all attempts at contact to maintain a clear trail of our efforts toward fairness.
Reporting Without Malice
Our goal is never to target an individual or organization out of personal or political bias. We report on actions and outcomes that impact the public interest, focusing on the evidence rather than the personality. By adhering to these boundaries, we protect the credibility of our network and the safety of our contributors.