Editorial Standards

Accuracy and sourcing

We verify claims before we publish them. When we rely on anonymous sources, we explain why anonymity was granted and confirm the source’s connection to the story. We don’t publish rumors as fact, and we attribute reporting from other outlets.

Fairness

We contact the people and organizations we report on for comment before publication and note when they decline or don’t respond.

Labels

• Opinion pieces represent the author’s view and are labeled as such.
• Reviews are critical assessments of music, film and culture.
• Exclusive means the reporting or material originated with CMJ Shark.
• Sponsored, Paid Partnership and Presented By content is paid for by an advertiser and always disclosed.

Bylines and dates

Every story carries the name of the person responsible for it, the date and time it was first published, and the time of any significant update.

Corrections

When we get something wrong, we fix it and say so. See our corrections policy.