These standards describe the principles FSN uses when publishing football news, analysis, data and tools. They apply across automated newsroom reports and manually directed flagship coverage.
Accuracy before certainty
FSN should not present an unverified claim as established fact. When information is developing, the article should attribute the report and avoid implying that FSN directly witnessed or independently confirmed something it did not.
Source quality and attribution
Preferred reporting inputs include official league and team communications, direct public statements, recognized sports newsrooms, established reporters and reliable data providers. Quotes, statistics and reported claims should be attributable to their actual source. FSN does not intentionally fabricate quotes, statistics, transactions or injuries.
News, analysis and probability
News reporting should separate known facts from interpretation. Analysis may make judgments, projections or arguments, but those conclusions should be supported by the available evidence. Model-generated probabilities and simulations are estimates, not guarantees; FSN tools should identify them as model outputs and explain their methodology when practical.
Corrections and updates
When FSN learns that a material factual statement is wrong, the goal is to correct it promptly rather than defend the original wording. Substantive corrections or clarifications may be disclosed on the article. Minor spelling, grammar or formatting fixes that do not change factual meaning may be corrected without a formal note. See the full Corrections Policy.
AI and automated publishing
FSN uses AI and automation in portions of its newsroom and production workflow. Automation does not change the obligation to attribute reporting, avoid invented facts and correct errors. Some automated news reports may publish without line-by-line human editing. Read AI & Automation at FSN for the complete disclosure.
Images and illustrations
FSN may use photography, team marks, data graphics and editorial illustrations, including AI-generated illustrations. Illustrations are used as visual storytelling and should not be presented as documentary photographs of events that did not occur.
Sponsored, affiliate or commercial content
If FSN publishes sponsored or affiliate-supported material, that relationship should be clearly disclosed to readers and should not be disguised as independent editorial reporting. Commercial support should not change the factual standards applied to the underlying coverage.
Reader feedback
Readers who spot an error, missing context or attribution problem can send the article URL and specific concern through Contact FSN. Constructive feedback is part of the editorial process.