Decision 2026: KTVZ News’ Editorial Approach to Covering the 2026 Election
Editor's Note: The following editorial guidelines were written by our news management team and shared with the KTVZ newsroom to help guide our election coverage. These standards reflect our commitment to accurate, transparent and trustworthy journalism that serves Central Oregon viewers and communities.
At KTVZ News, our mission is to deliver accurate, transparent and trustworthy reporting that helps Central Oregon stay engaged and informed in the democratic process.
As election coverage continues to evolve, so do the challenges facing voters. Misinformation, artificial intelligence-generated content and online security concerns can make it difficult to separate fact from fiction. That’s why KTVZ News is committed to providing reliable, fact-based reporting voters can trust.
From local races and ballot measures to statewide and national elections, KTVZ News will provide fair, balanced and in-depth coverage of the candidates, issues and decisions shaping Oregon communities.
KTVZ News is committed to transparency in our reporting process and fairness in our political coverage.
Building Trust Through Transparency
While it’s impossible to anticipate every campaign development, KTVZ News is committed to clearly explaining our editorial standards and approach to election reporting.
To provide consistent and informed coverage, our team members may be assigned to specific races or issues throughout the election cycle. This allows journalists to develop expertise and context on the topics most important to viewers.
In both broadcast and digital reporting, we will clearly identify the sources of information, data and documents used in our stories and include links to supporting materials whenever possible.
When interviewing candidates, KTVZ News may publish full, unedited interviews and written transcripts online to provide additional context and transparency for viewers.
For races involving multiple candidates, we will strive to ensure fairness by asking comparable questions and allowing equitable opportunities for responses.
If a candidate declines to answer a direct question, our anchors and reporters may respectfully repeat or clarify the question. If the question still goes unanswered, portions of the exchange may be omitted from edited broadcast stories, though full interviews may remain available online.
When outside experts are included in election coverage, their role will be to provide context or explain complex topics — not advocate for political positions. KTVZ News will carefully vet those sources and explain their relevance to the story.
Coverage Priorities
As an independent newsroom, KTVZ News has identified several key topics that will guide election coverage based on community concerns and newsroom priorities.
Cost of Living and Economy:
Oregonians continue to face rising costs for housing, groceries, fuel and everyday essentials. KTVZ News will ask candidates how they plan to address inflation, economic growth and affordability challenges affecting local families.
Homelessness:
Housing affordability and homelessness remain pressing concerns across Central Oregon. KTVZ News will report on proposed solutions, development plans and policies aimed at addressing housing access and stability.
Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention:
Keeping Central Oregon communities informed about wildfire prevention, preparedness and recovery resources remains a top priority. KTVZ News will report on wildfire risks, forest and land management efforts, emergency response planning and community safety initiatives while asking candidates how they plan to protect residents, strengthen resilience and support affected communities.
Commitment to Accurate and Fair Reporting
KTVZ News recognizes the importance of minimizing bias in journalism and maintaining fairness in political reporting. Our newsroom strives to present stories responsibly, avoid stereotypes and ensure coverage reflects the experiences of diverse communities.
We are committed to:
- Avoiding stereotypes and assumptions
- Considering perspectives from a broad range of communities
- Focusing on actions, policies and impacts rather than political rhetoric
- Using fair and responsible graphics, headlines and visuals
KTVZ News may also fact-check statements made by candidates, political advertisements and campaign messaging. Fact-check stories will include clear sourcing and information about funding behind political advertising whenever available.
Stay Informed
KTVZ News encourages viewers to stay engaged throughout the election season by following our ongoing coverage online, on-air and through our digital platforms.
Viewers can customize alerts, follow breaking news and access election-related coverage through KTVZ.com, the KTVZ News App and KTVZ+.
