Editorial Policy

Editorial Independence

Hollywood Melanin operates with a strict editorial firewall between our newsroom and our business operations. Advertisers have no say in what we cover, how we cover it, or who we interview. Access journalism — where coverage is exchanged for access — is not our model.

Our editorial team sets our agenda based on what we believe is important and interesting to our audience. Studio publicists, network PR teams, and brand representatives do not receive story approval, pre-publication review, or quote approval beyond their own direct quotes.

Accuracy & Fact-Checking

We are committed to publishing accurate information. Every article is reviewed by an editor before publication. For features and investigative pieces, we conduct additional fact-checking, including:

• Verification of all named claims against primary sources
• Confirmation of quotes with sources when possible
• Review of publicly available records supporting factual assertions
• Seeking comment from subjects of critical coverage

We acknowledge that mistakes happen. When they do, we correct them promptly and transparently. See our Corrections policy below.

Sourcing & Anonymous Sources

We prefer named sources. When sources request anonymity, we evaluate whether the information is newsworthy, whether we can verify it independently, and whether the source's need for anonymity is legitimate (such as fear of professional retaliation).

Anonymous sources are described with as much context as possible without revealing their identity (e.g., "a senior executive at a major studio" rather than simply "a source"). We do not use anonymous sources to attack individuals without allowing for response.

Corrections Policy

We correct factual errors as quickly as possible. Corrections are appended to the affected article with a clear notation of what was changed and when. We do not silently alter articles.

To request a correction, email corrections@hollywoodmelanin.com with the article URL, the specific claim you believe is incorrect, and supporting evidence. We review all correction requests.

Advertising & Sponsored Content

Advertising is how Hollywood Melanin sustains its independent journalism. Ads appear throughout the site but are clearly separated from editorial content.

Sponsored content — content produced in partnership with brands — is always clearly labeled as "Sponsored" or "Presented by [Brand]." Sponsored content is subject to the same factual accuracy standards as editorial content, but readers should understand it represents a paid relationship.

Advertisers do not receive advance notice of coverage, influence over editorial decisions, or approval rights over articles adjacent to their ads.

Ethics & Conflicts of Interest

Staff writers and editors disclose any relationships — personal, financial, or professional — that could constitute a conflict of interest in their coverage. When a conflict exists, the staff member recuses themselves from the relevant coverage.

We do not accept gifts, trips, or hospitality from companies or individuals we cover. Press screenings and review materials provided for the purpose of coverage are standard industry practice and do not constitute a conflict.

Our staff does not participate in political campaigns or advocacy work that would compromise our ability to cover those subjects fairly.

Questions & Feedback

We welcome questions and feedback about our editorial standards and practices.