Make the News: TCP Community Newsroom & Submission Guide

Welcome to the TCP Community Newsroom—a place where your voice helps shape the stories we tell.

Our mission is to amplify local perspectives, highlight underrepresented experiences, and hold space for reporting that matters. Whether you are a first-time contributor or a community member with years of experience, this guide will walk you through how to pitch your story, what we cover, and how we work together with care and respect. TCP believes news is a public good, and your contribution helps ensure it belongs to everyone.

What We Cover (and Why)

TCP focuses on news and storytelling that connect directly to civic life and the well-being of our neighbors. We give priority to stories that impact marginalized communities, address local culture, support small businesses, and engage civic participation.

Why this focus? Because these stories are often overlooked or under-reported in mainstream coverage. When we center community realities, we build a stronger, more inclusive understanding of the world we live in. Every story you submit is part of creating media that reflects us all—not just the powerful few.

Is Your Story Right for TCP?

Not every idea is a perfect fit for our newsroom, but many will be. Here are some categories and examples of the kinds of stories we encourage:

  • Community Impact
    • How housing policy changes affect renters.
    • Local transit challenges and solutions.
  • Culture & Identity
    • A neighborhood arts festival that celebrates cultural traditions.
    • Shifts in language, food, or music that reflect community pride.
  • Small Business & Economy
    • A cooperative opening in a historically underserved area.
    • Efforts by local vendors to adapt during economic change.
  • Civic Life & Public Policy
    • A school board decision shaping classroom resources.
    • A grassroots campaign working to expand voting access.
  • Environment & Health
    • Community gardens improving food security.
    • Local efforts to reduce pollution or expand green spaces.

If you’re unsure whether your idea fits, think about this: Does this story impact everyday people in ways they can feel, see, or experience? If yes, it may be right for TCP.

How to Pitch

When you’re ready to submit, we ask that you provide a few key details. This helps our editors understand your idea clearly and quickly.

Include these fields in your pitch:

  • Angle: What is the main point or focus of the story?
  • Who’s Affected: Which people, groups, or communities are at the center?
  • What’s New: Why is this story timely or urgent?
  • Background: What context should readers know to understand the issue?
  • Suggested Sources: Who could help provide insight, perspective, or data?
  • Media You Have: While we work text-first, let us know if you have documents, notes, or recordings that can support your pitch.

Keep your submission concise—your pitch should explain why this story matters and why it belongs in the TCP newsroom.

Verification & Sourcing

Trust is central to TCP. We follow plain-language steps to ensure every story is accurate and fair:

  1. Corroborate: Whenever possible, confirm information with at least two independent sources.
  2. Documents Matter: Public records, reports, or other official documents strengthen reporting.
  3. On-the-Record vs. Anonymous:
    • On-the-record means we can use a source’s name and words.
    • Anonymous means we protect their identity but still confirm their credibility.
    • We use anonymity sparingly and carefully, only when safety is at risk.

If you’re unsure how to handle a source, talk with an editor before moving forward.

Trauma-Informed & Consent-First Reporting

Many stories involve sensitive topics. At TCP, we commit to reporting that avoids harm and prioritizes dignity. That means:

  • Always ask before recording, quoting, or taking notes.
  • Respect when someone says “no” or sets boundaries.
  • Avoid asking people to relive traumatic experiences unless absolutely necessary.
  • Check in with sources about how they want their story shared, especially when it involves lived experience.

Consent is not just a checkbox—it’s ongoing, and it builds trust.

Youth & Privacy

When reporting on minors, special care is required. Our guidance is simple:

  • Do not publish full names of minors without explicit consent from a parent or guardian.
  • Avoid sharing identifying details such as home addresses, school names, or personal social media accounts.
  • Use general descriptions rather than specifics when safety is a concern.

Children and youth deserve protection and dignity. Our policies reflect that commitment.

Safety & Legal Basics

Journalism is powerful, and with power comes responsibility. Here are some high-level considerations:

  • Safety First: Never put yourself or your sources in danger to get a story.
  • Know Boundaries: Do not trespass, impersonate, or misrepresent yourself to gather information.
  • Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information that could harm someone if disclosed.
  • Public vs. Private Spaces: Rules differ depending on where you are. When in doubt, ask.

This section is for general awareness only. Not legal advice.

What Happens After You Submit

Your story idea will go through a few clear stages once it reaches our newsroom:

  1. Initial Review
     Editors read your pitch to confirm it fits TCP’s mission and coverage areas.
  2. Follow-Up
     If your story is a strong candidate, we’ll ask questions or request more details.
  3. Development
     Together, we shape the pitch into a story outline and identify sources.
  4. Editing & Verification
     The draft is reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and balance. This phase may involve multiple rounds of feedback.
  5. Publication
     Once finalized, the story is scheduled for release across TCP’s platforms.

We aim to keep this process transparent, collaborative, and respectful of your time.

TCP Code of Respect

Every contributor, editor, and reader is part of a community built on respect. Our shared commitments include:

  • Accuracy: Strive for truth and fairness.
  • Care: Treat sources and stories with dignity.
  • Inclusion: Center voices that are too often silenced.
  • Collaboration: Value feedback and shared growth.
  • Respect: Uphold community standards in language, tone, and practice.

By contributing to TCP, you agree to honor this code and help foster a newsroom culture that uplifts rather than divides.