Board Members

Malaquias Rael, Chairman – mvr@questaedf.com 

Brent Jaramillo, Board Member – bjaramillo@villageofquesta.org

Louis Herrera, Board Member – lherrera87556@gmail.com

Marcus Rael, Board Member – marcus@roblesrael.com

John Ortega, Board Member – jortega@villageofquesta.org

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Questa del Rio News is an editorially independent local news source. The publication is funded through a mix of revenue streams and was created as a pilot program of the Questa Economic Development Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works in the public interest to advance a diversified and sustainable local economy.

Questa del Rio News operates independently and is governed by the ethical standards of journalism.

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Journalistic Ethics Policy

Questa del Rio News is an editorially independent local news organization committed to serving the public interest. Our mission is to inform, inspire, connect, and unite the communities of Northern Taos County through accurate, fair, and meaningful journalism.

To fulfill this mission, Questa del Rio News operates independently and is governed by the ethical standards of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). The SPJ Code of Ethics establishes four core principles that serve as the foundation of ethical journalism across all media. We have adopted these principles as our guiding framework and apply them to all editorial decisions, reporting practices, and community engagement.

Our Ethical Commitments:

Seek Truth and Report It

We are committed to accuracy, fairness, and thorough reporting. We verify information before publication, provide relevant context, and clearly distinguish facts from opinion. We correct errors promptly and transparently. Our journalism is grounded in evidence, multiple perspectives, and respect for the public’s right to know.

Minimize Harm

We recognize that journalism can affect individuals and communities. We strive to balance the public’s need for information with compassion and sensitivity, especially when reporting on vulnerable populations, private individuals, or traumatic events. We avoid sensationalism and consider the long-term impact of our reporting.

Act Independently

Questa del Rio News maintains full editorial independence. We avoid conflicts of interest—real or perceived—and do not allow advertisers, funders, political interests, or affiliated organizations to influence editorial content. While the publication was created as a pilot program of the Questa Economic Development Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all editorial decisions are made independently and in accordance with journalistic ethics.

Be Accountable and Transparent

We are accountable to our readers and our community. We are transparent about our funding model, editorial standards, and corrections process. We welcome feedback, encourage civil dialogue, and engage openly with the community we serve. When mistakes occur, we acknowledge them and take responsibility.

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Correction Policy:

Corrections Policy at Questa del Rio News, we recognize that mistakes may occur in the course of reporting. How we address those mistakes is fundamental to maintaining our credibility and the trust of our readers and sources. When an error is identified, we will take steps to correct it as promptly as possible. Corrections will be published:

• In Print:
  Corrections will appear in the subsequent month’s edition following the discovery of the error.
• Online:
  Corrections will be appended to the digital version of the story.
• Off-Platform:
  When necessary, corrections will also be issued on social media and other platforms where the error appeared. Readers may alert the editorial team to potential errors by emailing editor@questanews.com.

If a factual error is confirmed, it must be corrected — regardless of whether the affected party has formally requested a correction. When in doubt, staff should consult with an editor. Failure to acknowledge and amend mistakes risks undermining public trust in our reporting.

Occasionally, an error may involve nuance, tone, or missing context rather than a factual inaccuracy. In such cases, a clarification, editor’s note, or statement from the editor in chief may be more appropriate. All corrections and clarifications must be verified by the staff member responsible for the error, fact-checked by a source editor, and approved by the editor before publication. Placement of Corrections Online

• In most cases, correction notes should be appended to the end of the online version of the article.
• If the error is deemed egregious — such as misleading, fabricated, or unethical information — the correction may be placed at the beginning of the article.
• In cases where an error undermines the entire premise of a story, the article may be removed entirely. If this step is taken, the page should be replaced with an editor’s note explaining why the article was removed. This decision must be approved by the editor in chief.

Corrections for Social Media Posts If incorrect information is shared on social media or through a news alert, we will notify readers on the same platform and provide accurate information. In many cases, it may be appropriate to delete the original post. When a post is deleted, a screenshot of the original should be retained and reposted with clarifying information, noting that the post was removed due to an error.

Legal and Ethical  Considerations If a request for a correction or retraction involves legal threats or comes from outside legal counsel, the matter must be referred immediately to the editor in chief and to the newspaper’s legal counsel before any response or action is taken. Action will be taken within 24 hours of notice.

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Donor Transparency & Editorial Independence Policy

Questa del Rio News maintains full and sole authority over all editorial content in order to protect its journalistic integrity and serve the public interest. Financial support of any kind does not confer influence over editorial decisions and does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of any donor, or of any donor’s products, services, positions, or opinions.

Editorial Independence:

• We accept gifts, grants, and sponsorships from individuals, organizations, and foundations to support our operations and journalism.
• Editorial decisions are made independently and are never based on donor support.
• Donors and sponsors are granted no right to assign stories, review content, influence coverage, or edit material prior to publication.
• We retain full editorial control over all coverage, including coverage of special projects or specific topics funded through grants or sponsorships.

Transparency & Accountability:

• We are committed to transparency in all aspects of our funding.
• Financial support does not imply endorsement of donors or their products, services, or viewpoints.
• We publicly disclose the names of all donors who contribute $5,000 or more per year.

Funding Restrictions:

• We do not accept funding from political parties, elected officials, or candidates actively seeking public office.
• We do not accept funding from any individual or organization that, in the judgment of our board of directors, presents a conflict of interest or compromises our editorial independence.

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Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Editing and Accuracy Review

Purpose:

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes the editorial workflow for editing, copy editing, and accuracy review at Questa del Rio News. Its purpose is to ensure factual accuracy, clarity, consistency, and full adherence to the ethical standards set forth by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics.

Scope:

This SOP applies to all reporters, the editor, and the copy editor involved in the production of each issue of Questa del Rio News.

1. Reporter Fact-Checking & Ethical Responsibility

• Reporters are individually responsible for verifying the accuracy of all facts, figures, names, dates, quotations, and sources prior to submission.
• All sources must be clearly documented and available for review if requested.
• Reporters are expected to apply the SPJ Code of Ethics throughout the reporting and writing process, with particular emphasis on accuracy, fairness, and transparency.

2. Ethical and Legal Consultation

• Reporters must regularly consult with the Editor regarding ethical and legal considerations, including but not limited to conflicts of interest, sensitive subjects, privacy concerns, and potential libel risks.
• The Editor provides guidance grounded in the SPJ Code of Ethics and best practices in journalism.

3. Initial Editorial Review

• Upon submission, each story undergoes an initial review by both the Editor and Copy Editor.
• This review includes:
  • Verification of factual accuracy
  • Grammar, spelling, and style consistency
  • Narrative clarity, structure, and flow
  • Confirmation that ethical standards are upheld

4. Pagination and Layout

• Stories approved during the initial editorial review are formatted and paginated into the standard 32-page issue layout.

5. Secondary Accuracy & Layout Review

• Following pagination, the Reporter, Editor, and Copy Editor conduct a secondary review of each story.
• This review focuses on:
  • Accuracy of facts, figures, names, and captions
  • Layout integrity, including missing text, cut-off sections, or formatting errors
  • Continued adherence to ethical standards

6. Proofing Rounds

• Each full issue undergoes a minimum of three (3) and no more than ten (10) rounds of proofing.
• Proofing is conducted collaboratively by the Editor and Copy Editor, and by the Reporter when appropriate.
• Each round includes checks for:
  • Remaining errors in text, formatting, or layout
  • Readability, clarity, and overall flow
  • Final confirmation of ethical compliance
• The Editor conducts the final proofing round before the issue is approved and sent to press.

References:

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics: https://www.spj.org/spjcode-of-ethics/

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Policy & Guidelines for Op-Ed Submissions

Questa del Rio News welcomes op-ed submissions from community members, leaders, and subject-matter experts. Op-eds provide a forum for diverse viewpoints, thoughtful debate, and civic dialogue on issues affecting our local community, region, and broader society.

• “Op-ed” refers to opinion-editorial content traditionally published opposite the editorial page.
• Op-eds are written by contributors who are not members of the newspaper’s editorial staff.
• Views expressed in op-eds are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Questa del Rio News.
• Op-eds may address current events, local or regional issues, public policy, culture, or matters of broad public interest

• Op-ed submissions are evaluated based on timeliness, originality, clarity, strength of argument, relevance to the community, and overall newsworthiness.
• Priority consideration is often given to:
  • Local residents and community leaders
  • Subject-matter experts, educators, or academics
  • Authors offering fresh or underrepresented perspectives on timely issues
    

Submission Guidelines

To be considered for publication, op-eds must meet the following requirements:

1. Word Count

• 600–750 words maximum
• Submissions shorter than 500 words or longer than 750 words are unlikely to be considered.

2. Formatting & Style

• Double-spaced, standard font
• Submitted as a Word document or Google Doc
• Written in clear, accessible language; avoid jargon, slang, and excessive acronyms
• Well-structured with a focused, coherent argument
• Edited by the author for spelling, grammar, and readability prior to submission

3. Content Standards

• Opinions must be supported by verifiable facts, credible sources, or relevant data (3–4 strong supporting details recommended).
• Personal experiences and real-life examples are encouraged when relevant.
• All submissions must adhere to the ethical standards of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics, including accuracy, fairness, and accountability.

4. Author Identification

• Include the author’s full name
• Include title and affiliation, if relevant
• Provide a brief one-sentence biography
• A headshot photograph may be requested for publication

5. Submission Process

• Email submissions to: editor@questanews.com
• Use the subject line: Op-Ed Submission – [Topic]
• The editorial team will confirm receipt within three (3) business days and notify authors if the submission is selected for a future issue.

Review & Publication Process:

• The Editor reviews all op-ed submissions for clarity, accuracy, relevance, and adherence to these guidelines.
• The Copy Editor may edit submissions for grammar, style, length, and readability.
• Substantive edits will be discussed with the author when possible.
• Acceptance is not guaranteed. Final publication decisions rest solely with the Editor.
• Accepted op-eds may require revisions prior to publication.

Follow-Up & Reuse:

• If authors do not receive a response within ten (10) days, they may follow up with the Editor.
• Accepted op-eds may be published in print, online, or both.
• Authors are encouraged to share published op-eds with community members, policymakers, and partner organizations.
• Authors whose submissions are not accepted may request feedback and are welcome to submit future work.

Responsibilities of Authors:

Authors submitting op-eds agree to:

• Ensure factual accuracy and proper sourcing
• Maintain a civil, respectful tone
• Avoid personal attacks, libelous statements, or discriminatory language
• Accept editorial revisions as a condition of publication
• All op-eds must ensure they do not incite or encourage violence, break the law, or encourage hate speech.

Contact:

For questions regarding op-ed submissions or these guidelines, please contact:
Editor, Questa del Rio News at editor@questanews.com