Source Methodology

How Reporting Begins

Our editorial process starts with verifiable material rather than recycled summaries. Starting points include official records, court filings, regulatory disclosures, corporate statements, direct interviews, and public datasets. When direct verification is incomplete, our reporters narrow their language accordingly.

Source Hierarchy and Verification

Whenever possible, we prioritise primary documents and firsthand sourcing over tertiary summaries. Official records and direct statements carry more weight than unattributed repetition. Claims from any source are still subject to rigorous checking.

• Primary records and firsthand sourcing are preferred.
• Secondary reporting may be used but never presented as certainty when unconfirmed.
• Financial figures or legal details must be verified against the underlying document when feasible.

Anonymous Sources and Background Information

Anonymity is used only when the information serves the public interest and cannot be responsibly obtained on the record. The newsroom must understand the source's identity and evaluate their motive, access, and reliability before granting anonymity.

Documents, Media, and Data

Documents, screenshots, audio, and data extracts are reviewed carefully. We verify provenance, timing, and authenticity. A document's existence does not automatically prove the broadest possible claim.

Source Notes, Attribution, and Links

For trust‑sensitive reporting, Capitalistme may include source notes or primary links so readers can inspect the public record themselves. Attribution is specific enough to understand where key information originated.

How We Treat Uncertainty and Change

• We do not convert uncertainty into certainty for headline effect.
• We clearly distinguish analysis from assertion.
• We update wording when better sourcing becomes available.