The Lansing Journal subscribes to standards of editorial independence adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News:
- Authority. The Lansing Journal retains full authority over editorial content in order to protect the journalism we provide, which is the heart of our business. Acceptance of financial support from any revenue source does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of contributors, donors, or advertisers — or their products, services, or opinions.
- Independence. We accept gifts, grants and sponsorships from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities, but our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of that support.
- Control. The Lansing Journal may consider contributions to support the coverage of particular topics, but we maintain editorial control of the coverage. We will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content, nor of unauthorized distribution of editorial content.
- Transparency. The Lansing Journal will make public the names of all supporters who give a total of $5,000 or more per year. We will accept anonymous contributions for general support only if it is clear that sufficient safeguards have been put into place that spending such gifts is done independently by The Lansing Journal and in compliance with INN’s Membership Standards.