DCist is a part of WAMU, Washington’s NPR Affiliate. WAMU is a part of American University and American University holds the license for WAMU. DCist adheres to WAMU’s Editorial Independence and Transparency Policy when American University, WAMU or DCist make news.
DCist is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) and we subscribe to INN’s standards for editorial independence and donor transparency as set forth below.
Editorial Independence
DCist retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization. We separate our news coverage decisions from our sources of revenue. DCist accepts grants, gifts, and sponsorships from individuals and organizations to support our activities. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services or opinions.
Donor Transparency
DCist maintains editorial control of our coverage. DCist may consider sponsor support for covering particular topics, but DCist does not permit sponsors or donors to review or otherwise influence editorial content, nor does DCist permit unauthorized distribution of our editorial content.
DCist will make public all donors who give a total of $5,000 or more per year. We will accept anonymous donations for general support only if the donor agrees that DCist can expend such funds independently and in compliance with INN’s Membership Standards.
Source Diversity Tracking
It is WAMU’s policy that our journalists ask sources to share demographic information with us. Source diversity tracking allows the WAMU/DCist newsroom to understand, reflect on and be accountable for sourcing decisions. Sharing this information with us is optional and declining to participate does not have any bearing on editorial decisions. You can read more about this initiative here.