Brainerd Dispatch

Brainerd Dispatch strives to produce journalism that truly matters to residents of the Brainerd lakes area. The publication's highest priority is public service – shining light on issues that deeply affect lives and holding local and state governments and institutions accountable. They feel a responsibility to give readers coverage that is ambitious, broad and fair; but also want to show the bright side of the news, including stories of people making a positive difference in their communities.

Forum Communications newsrooms abide by the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Reporters are expected to seek the truth and report it fairly and accurately, minimize harm by treating subjects as human beings deserving of respect, act independently from outside influence and be accountable and transparent in their reporting. 

Forum Communications is a family-owned network of community-driven newsrooms, broadcast stations and new media products. All editorial decisions are made locally by local editors. The company has been owned and operated by the Black/Marcil family since 1917.

Forum Communication's readership is diverse, and their publications aim to provide audiences with diverse voices and contributions. They seek diversity in ethnicity, political affiliation, gender, age, geography and areas of interest with the mission of serving underrepresented communities and creating a safe space for diverse voices to share their views and ideas.

Forum newsrooms make every effort to report stories that are fair, accurate and thorough. If a correction or clarification is needed, the original online story will be amended and noted as “updated.” At the end of the story, readers will see an italicized note explaining the change.

When possible, corrections and clarifications will be filed in the print or e-edition immediately following the discovery of the error, in consultation with an editor. Corrections will refer to the headline, page and edition while clearly stating the correct facts. We will not restate the error.

Forum Communications newsrooms are reluctant to use unnamed sources and will do so only when the information they can provide is essential to an important story and can’t get be obtained any other way. Editors must approve the use of all anonymous sources and will know the name of the source. Using an unnamed source is rare and reporters do not grant “off the record” interviews without discussion with an editor.