Counterstream is an independent, nonprofit media organization covering climate and environmental justice in the United States. We work in relationship with movements to challenge harmful narratives, reveal the systems behind pollution and extraction, and tell stories that build power and possibility.
The following editorial guidelines provide an overview of our approach to journalism and storytelling, and are always evolving.
Editorial Independence
Counterstream maintains full editorial independence over our work. Advertisers, funders, and other business interests are pursued independent of and have no influence over our stories. Editorial decisions — including what stories we cover, how they are framed, and when they are published — are made solely by Counterstream, without outside approval or interference. Advertising and sponsored content are clearly labeled and hold no influence over our coverage.
Accuracy
Counterstream strives to produce storytelling rooted in fact and lived experience. Our team undergoes a thorough editing process from conception to publication. We rely on credible sources to deliver and report on news, corroborate claims with multiple sources, cite or hyperlink our sources within our content, and follow a strict corrections policy (included below).
Corrections
Counterstream is committed to telling culturally-conscious stories rooted in fact and editorial rigor. When an error has occurred, we acknowledge the mistake and provide the correct information as soon as possible. If you notice an error, please email hello@counterstream.org.
Newsletter Corrections
If an error occurs in our newsletter, the correction will be stated in the following week’s edition with a link to the edition that included the error, the date of the edition, and the correct information. Corrections can be found at the bottom of our newsletter editions before the footer.
Social Media Corrections
If an error occurs on our social media accounts, the correction will be included in the caption. If the error is within the caption text and can be edited, we will update the caption to correct the error and include a notice at the end of the caption describing that a previous version of the post included an error and describe what the error was. If the error is included within the graphic and cannot be updated, we will include a notice at the end of the caption explaining the error.
Website Corrections
If an error occurs on our website, we will publish a notification of the correction at the bottom of the relevant story, identifying the nature of the error and providing the correct information in the body of the text and in the correction notice as soon as possible.
Reader Feedback
We love hearing from our readers and listeners, and welcome feedback on what we publish. Please contact hello@counterstream.org with questions, comments, or ideas about our stories.
Solutions Journalism Network
Counterstream is a proud member of the Solutions Journalism Network's Solutions Journalism Directory, a first-of-its-kind resource featuring organizations committed to sharing rigorous and compelling reporting on responses to social problems.
Other Policies
Find more information on additional policies below: