How to verify a claim before publication
A sentence can be technically true and still mislead when its date, scope or source is missing. This guide turns one claim into an evidence trail another editor can inspect.
Define what must be shown
Separate an observable fact from an interpretation. Record who said what, when, where and over which period. A number without its denominator or an image without a date rarely supports the whole conclusion. If a sentence contains several claims, test them separately. Save the original wording before rewriting the headline.
Make a provenance card
Record the original document or link, the author or issuing body, publication date, date checked, how it was obtained and any known limits. Go to the primary record rather than a story summarizing it. Keep a working copy where permitted and avoid collecting personal information that the check does not require. If the record changes, note which version you reviewed.
Check by an independent route
A second site repeating the same press release is not an independent check. Seek a separate record, original dataset or first-hand witness appropriate to the claim. Ask what evidence would contradict your preferred explanation. If the routes disagree, describe the conflict and involve an editor before publication.
Make an explicit editorial decision
Mark the claim verified, partly supported, unverified or false in light of the evidence. Attribute a statement that is only one person's assertion. Offer a response opportunity where appropriate without handing editorial control to the source. Keep a clear corrections route after publication.
Try it
Copyable claim card: exact claim [ ]; primary source and date [ ]; first check [ ]; independent second check [ ]; contrary evidence [ ]; limitations [ ]; decision and editor [ ]; next review [ ].
Hypothetical example: a release says a library has extended its hours. The card links the announcement, checks the library's published schedule and seeks direct confirmation. If the website still shows the old hours, the story explains the discrepancy or waits; it does not present the announcement as a service already available.
Before publishing
Do not count two copies of one origin as two independent sources. Do not expose a source's personal details merely to demonstrate that a story was checked.
Sources and method
Sources checked 30 September 2026. The claim card and example are original editorial tools, not records of an actual investigation.