Blot Magazine, a narrative quarterly publication, is entirely produced by University of Idaho students. The construction of the magazine — from initial layout to final design and editing — is all possible because of student work and dedication. Blot Magazine provides paid journalism opportunities for UI students and helps to further student learning and engagement.
In addition to providing publication experience for UI students, Student Media helps student employees better understand the importance of transparency within an ever-changing media landscape.
Blot Magazine’s transparency policy covers (1) ethics, (2) sourcing, (3) fact-checking, (4) corrections and updates and (5) editorial integrity.
These standards were created by the 2018-2019 Blot Magazine editorial staff and will be upheld by the entire Blot Magazine staff. With this staff’s dedication to thorough reporting and thoughtful storytelling, we hope to ensure Blot Magazine readers of our commitment to transparency.
1. Ethics —
Blot Magazine adheres to the ethical practices of the Society of Professional Journalists. According to the SPJ Code of Ethics, Blot Magazine and all its staff will seek the truth and report it, minimize any potential harm to sources or readers, act independently of outside influences, be accountable for all information provided and be transparent in the reporting process.
2. Sources —
All information (not common knowledge) provided by Blot Magazine will come from a verified source. Facts not directly derived from an interview with a source will be properly attributed within magazine content. All information derived from an interview with a source will be thoroughly fact-checked before publication.
Anonymous sourcing will be allowed in Blot Magazine under some circumstances. Blot’s editorial staff, along with the writer, will decide if anonymous sourcing should be utilized on a case-by-case basis.
According to Blot Magazine reporting guidelines, interviewed sources may not pre-approve full articles. The writer may work with their sources to ensure accuracy and thorough storytelling before publication.
3. Fact Checking —
All staff members are expected to fact-check their articles before submitting for editing. During the editing process, all articles will be fact-checked with additional research for thorough factual accuracy.
4.Corrections and Updates —
In the instance, an article requires a correction or update for clarity, the writer and editorial staff will make changes as seen fit.
Any corrections and updates will be properly inserted into the body copy of the article online and noted at the bottom of the web page.
Any questions about corrections and updates can be directed to the editor-in-chief of Blot Magazine.
5. Editorial Integrity —
The Blot Magazine editorial staff will uphold the highest editorial integrity in regard to reporting, writing, photography, illustration, videography and design.
All Blot Magazine content is created with the intent to inform and inspire conversation across the Palouse.