Independent visual journalism

Sources open by default

Trust

Editorial standards

The rules that govern our reporting, comparisons, visualisations and conclusions.

TheDataStory separates reported fact, analysis and inference. A chart is treated as a journalistic claim: its source, definition, calculation and limitations must be open to inspection.

Our commitments

One standard, regardless of who holds power.

01 Evidence before verdict

We begin with the primary record and publish the rule used to reach a conclusion.

02 Fair comparison

We use consistent periods, definitions, population bases and benchmarks across parties and governments.

03 Right of reply

People and institutions facing substantive criticism are offered a fair opportunity to respond.

04 Transparent limits

Estimates, gaps, exclusions and unresolved contradictions are labelled where readers encounter them.

05 Corrections in public

Material errors are corrected visibly, dated and retained in the publication record.

06 Independence

Editorial findings are not determined by political parties, governments, funders or advertisers.