Accuracy | PBS Editorial Standards

Accuracy requires willingness on the part of producers and PBS staff to question their own assumptions about the subjects they are handling. For example, facts can lack necessary context if they are presented in a way that omits important details, quotes someone without correctly reflecting what the person was asked, or distorts what occurred. Producers must also be mindful of the language used to frame the facts to avoid misleading or deceiving the audience or encouraging false inferences.   

 A commitment to accuracy also requires gathering, updating, and promptly correcting information as a story develops. Producers must exercise the highest level of care in verifying information, especially when it relates to any accusations of wrongdoing. Producers should not share misinformation and should not allow third-party efforts to distort information or intentionally misinform the public to go unchallenged.