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Inside the Bugle

How we choose what to cover

Published Thursday, August 13, 2026

A major federal laboratory contract announced for a site on Fallowfield Road exposed a weakness in the Bugle’s news search. The announcement was presented as an Ottawa project, and we missed its local consequence. We have widened the search so more stories labelled Ottawa, Nepean, or federal reach the point where an editorial decision can be made.

Finding more does not mean publishing everything. The recent Facebook Marketplace shooting in Manotick belonged because Ottawa Police provided practical Safe Trade Zone advice that Barrhaven buyers and sellers could use. The value was the warning, not the drama.

Facebook groups and pages also help us find general and human-interest stories: a resident’s coyote encounter, something remembered from Barrhaven’s past, a new business, or a question neighbours keep asking. Community discussion tells us what people are interested in. It does not prove the facts, so we still confirm what matters before publishing.

We will miss things, and readers will sometimes disagree with a judgment. Readers can question what we selected, how we framed it, or what we left out even when they are not asking for a factual correction.

Our permanent Editorial Standards explain what we look for, what we avoid, how AI assistance is used, and who is accountable. Factual corrections go to [email protected]. Questions about coverage decisions go to [email protected].