My mission is to provide transparent, independent and impactful journalism that serves the public interest — offering fact-based reporting, context-rich storytelling and thoughtful commentary across local government, civic life, culture and media.
This work is rooted in accountability, accuracy and clarity, with a commitment to reporting that helps communities understand decisions, systems and cultural forces that shape everyday life.
The YAPtain expands this mission through commentary and conversation, delivering sharp analysis, cultural critique, and perspectives that complement reporting without sacrificing truth or transparency.
Values
Transparency and independence
I strive to be open and accountable about how I create content, avoiding hidden agendas and clearly distinguishing between reporting and commentary. I follow journalism ethics and welcome questions about my process.
Accuracy and fairness
Content is grounded in verified facts and sourced fairly. When a party is accused of wrongdoing, their explanation is included to ensure balanced reporting. Anonymous sources are protected responsibly and only when necessary.
Clarity over sensationalism
I aim to avoid sensational headlines and content that overpromises — instead prioritizing clarity, context and a direct connection between headline and substance. Stories are written to be understandable without diluting their importance.
Respect and privacy
Individuals are treated with respect, their privacy honored, and their dignity preserved in coverage. Ethical boundaries guide decisions about what matters to share and how to share it.
Credible sourcing
Sources are credited by name and context whenever possible. I do not plagiarize or present others’ work as my own, and I explain roles and relevance so readers can evaluate motives and credibility.
Balance and critical reflection
Content seeks balance, avoiding bias where possible while acknowledging when subjective interpretation is present. I reflect critically — even toward my own assumptions — to avoid reinforcing blind spots.
Community-centered reporting
Coverage prioritizes issues that affect people’s lives directly, elevating community voices and holding decision-makers accountable. Reporting is not done about people, but with awareness of their experiences and impact.
I wish to be transparent about how I create content to provide on this site
I follow the general rules of journalism ethics but I do want to stress following:
- I strive to be open, independent, critical – also towards myself – and to avoid hidden agendas.
- I always try to use facts as fairly and accurate as possible.
- If I accuse any party for wrongdoing, I will try to lay out the fact and include the accused party’s explanation.
- I try to write my blog as balanced as possible and not to make too sensational headlines so my content lives up the promise in the headline.
- I acknowledge the individual’s rights to be respected personally and maintain their privacy.
- I make sure that the sources, who wish to be anonymous, are anonymous – also after the content is publicized – as long as I know the true identity of the person and the motives behind the wish to be anonymous.
Sourcing
I credit my sources by their names and when possibly a direct link or retweet to their commentary. In other words; I don’t plagiarize. I do not use other’s work and pretend it is my own. I declare my sources and explain who they are and what they do for a living so it is easier to judge my sources’ motives.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at swannj0223@gmail.com
Best wishes, Jess.
Special thanks to Pernille Tranberg, author of TrustMark for News – Why Non-Biased Digital Content Needs Transparency, for providing the template from which this disclosure has been adapted.
The Yaptain's Corner 