Editorial Standards

Our Core Principles

Every fact-check published by America's Overwatch follows rigorous standards developed from decades of journalism experience and aviation's safety culture—where accuracy isn't optional, it's survival.

Verification Process

Step 1: Source Identification

We monitor 128+ news sources daily, from CNN to Fox News, from The New York Times to The Wall Street Journal. When a significant claim emerges—whether in traditional media, social media, or political discourse—it enters our queue for verification.

Step 2: Research & Documentation

Our researchers dig deep to find:

• Primary sources: Original documents, official statements, government data
• Multiple perspectives: Coverage from across the political spectrum
• Historical context: Previous statements, policy positions, related claims
• Expert analysis: Subject matter experts, academic research, scientific consensus

Step 3: Fact-Checking Standards

To rate a claim as TRUE, FALSE, or MISLEADING, we require:

• At least three independent sources confirming or refuting the claim
• Primary documentation when available (government records, court filings, official transcripts)
• Full context—what was said before and after, under what circumstances
• Clear explanation of methodology—how we reached our conclusion

Step 4: Editorial Review

Before publication, every fact-check undergoes review by senior editorial staff who verify:

• All sources are properly cited and accessible
• Context is complete and fair
• Rating (TRUE/FALSE/MISLEADING) is justified by evidence
• Language is clear and objective
• No bias or agenda influences the conclusion

Ratings Explained

What We Don't Do

Just as important as what we do is what we refuse to do:

• We don't sensationalize. No clickbait headlines, no exaggeration for traffic.
• We don't pick sides. We fact-check claims from all political perspectives equally.
• We don't hide mistakes. When we err, we correct immediately and transparently.
• We don't accept anonymous tips without verification. Every claim must be verified through our standard process.
• We don't rush. Speed matters, but accuracy matters more. We won't publish until we're certain.

Corrections Policy

When we make mistakes—and we're human, so we will—we fix them immediately:

• Corrections are published prominently at the top of the affected fact-check
• We explain what was wrong and how we corrected it
• We note the date and time of the correction
• We never delete or hide our mistakes

Conflicts of Interest

We maintain strict policies to avoid conflicts of interest:

• No political contributions from staff while employed
• No financial ties to political campaigns or advocacy groups
• Disclosure of any potential conflicts before publication
• Editorial decisions made independently of business considerations

Student Training Standards

Student researchers work under direct supervision of experienced editors and must:

• Complete training in source verification and fact-checking methodology
• Have all work reviewed by senior editorial staff before publication
• Follow the same standards as professional staff
• Disclose their student status in bylines when applicable

Questions About Our Standards?

We welcome scrutiny. If you have questions about our methodology or believe we've made an error, contact us. We'll investigate and respond.