MDBayNews
Purpose
This policy explains MDBayNews’ position regarding political endorsements and clarifies how the newsroom approaches election coverage.
MDBayNews does not endorse candidates, political parties, or ballot initiatives.
Editorial Position
MDBayNews is an independent news organization focused on reporting, analysis, and voter information.
The newsroom does not:
- Issue candidate endorsements
- Recommend voting choices
- Support or oppose political parties
- Advocate for or against ballot questions
MDBayNews’ role is to inform the public, not to influence electoral outcomes.
Coverage of Elections
Election coverage at MDBayNews includes:
- News reporting
- Issue analysis
- Explainers
- Candidate Q&A features
- Clearly labeled Guest Commentary
These formats are designed to provide voters with information, not guidance on how to vote.
Guest Commentary & Candidate Participation
Guest Commentary and Candidate Q&A content:
- Reflects the views of the author or candidate
- Is clearly labeled
- Does not represent the views of MDBayNews
Publication of campaign-submitted content does not imply endorsement.
Campaign Access Program
Participation in the Maryland Campaign Access Program:
- Does not result in endorsement
- Does not influence reporting or analysis
- Does not imply editorial support
Campaign Access exists solely to provide transparent participation opportunities.
Advertising & Sponsorship
MDBayNews does not publish:
- Sponsored political articles
- Paid endorsements
- Advertorials presented as news
Any paid services offered by MDBayNews are separate from journalism and do not convey endorsement.
Independence & Objectivity
MDBayNews maintains editorial independence by:
- Separating opinion from reporting
- Clearly labeling campaign-submitted content
- Applying the same editorial standards across coverage
Disagreement with a candidate’s views does not prevent coverage, and coverage does not imply support.
Reader & Campaign Clarification
Readers and campaigns should not interpret:
- Publication
- Inclusion
- Quotation
- Analysis
as an endorsement or opposition by MDBayNews.
Enforcement
MDBayNews reserves the right to:
- Decline content that implies endorsement
- Correct mischaracterizations of its role
- Update this policy as needed
Any public claim that MDBayNews has endorsed a candidate without authorization is incorrect.
Contact
For questions regarding this policy:
📧 Email: info@mdbaynews.com
📄 Subject Line: No Endorsement Policy Inquiry
Statement of Principle
MDBayNews exists to inform Marylanders, not to tell them how to vote.
This No Endorsement Policy reflects the newsroom’s commitment to:
- Independent journalism
- Transparency
- Public trust
- Ethical election coverage