When the work may fit
Grounded Words Consulting’s primary practice is consulting on newsroom standards, reporting practice, verification, and editorial decision-making. Expert-witness services are available to defendants and plaintiffs in selected matters where the relevant issues turn on sourcing and corroboration, fairness, pre-publication review, treatment of disputed facts, editorial process, and corrections or updates.
This background may be useful in libel, defamation, and related matters when the questions concern the reporting and publication process. The analysis evaluates reporting techniques and editorial decisions against established journalism standards and practices.
What an engagement may involve
Depending on the matter, work may include review of reporting and editorial materials, chronology and process analysis, explanation of common newsroom workflows and decision points, and assessment of where sourcing, verification, fairness, and post-publication response fit within the overall editorial process.
Any engagement must present a clear fit with Chris Scholl’s experience in newsroom standards, investigative reporting, verification, editorial review, and corrections practice.
Initial fit review
What to include
Send a brief, non-confidential note with party names for conflicts purposes, venue and current posture, the publication or broadcast at issue, key deadlines, and the specific newsroom standards questions on which input may be useful.
Contact for initial fit review