Mission & Values
Mission
My mission is to provide transparent, independent, and impactful journalism that serves the public interest — offering fact-based reporting, context-rich storytelling, and thoughtful commentary across local government, civic life, culture, and media.
This work is rooted in accountability, accuracy, and clarity, with a commitment to reporting that helps communities understand the decisions, systems, and cultural forces that shape everyday life.
The YAPtain expands this mission through commentary and conversation, delivering sharp analysis, cultural critique, and perspective that complements reporting without sacrificing truth or transparency.
Values
Transparency and Independence
I strive to be open and accountable about how I create content, avoiding hidden agendas and clearly distinguishing between reporting and commentary. I follow journalism ethics and welcome questions about my process.
Accuracy and Fairness
Content is grounded in verified facts and sourced fairly. When a party is accused of wrongdoing, their explanation is included to ensure balanced reporting. Anonymous sources are protected responsibly and only when necessary.
Clarity Over Sensationalism
I aim to avoid sensational headlines and content that overpromises — instead prioritizing clarity, context, and a direct connection between headline and substance. Stories are written to be understandable without diluting their importance.
Respect and Privacy
Individuals are treated with respect, their privacy honored, and their dignity preserved in coverage. Ethical boundaries guide decisions about what matters to share and how to share it.
Credible Sourcing
Sources are credited by name and context whenever possible. I do not plagiarize or present others’ work as my own, and I explain roles and relevance so readers can evaluate motives and credibility.
Balance and Critical Reflection
Content seeks balance, avoiding bias where possible while acknowledging when subjective interpretation is present. I reflect critically — including toward my own assumptions — to avoid reinforcing blind spots.
Community-Centered Reporting
Coverage prioritizes issues that affect people’s lives directly, elevating community voices and holding decision-makers accountable. Reporting is not done about people, but with awareness of their experiences and impact.
Transparency in Practice
I follow general principles of journalism ethics with a strong emphasis on independence, fairness, and accountability — including accountability to myself.
- I strive to be open, independent, and critical, including toward my own work.
- I rely on facts as fairly and accurately as possible.
- When alleging wrongdoing, I present verified facts and include the accused party’s explanation.
- I aim to write balanced reporting and avoid sensational headlines.
- I respect individuals’ rights and protect their privacy.
- Anonymous sources are protected before and after publication, provided their identity and motivation are known and verified.
Sourcing
I credit my sources by name and, when possible, provide direct links or attribution to their commentary. I do not plagiarize or present others’ work as my own.
Sources are identified with context about who they are and what they do so readers can better evaluate credibility and motivation.
Contact
If you have questions or comments about my reporting, please contact me at swannj0223@gmail.com.
Best wishes,
Jess