Fact Checking Policy

Archaeological reporting demands a higher standard of verification than many other news beats. Findings are often preliminary, contested, or easily misrepresented. NKV’s Fact Checking Policy ensures that every factual claim we publish is sourced, verified, and honestly contextualized — even when that means qualifying our coverage with scientific uncertainty.

Scope

NKV’s fact-checking standards apply to all editorial content, including:

• Archaeological discovery reports and excavation news
• Research summaries and peer-reviewed study write-ups
• Historical and contextual background claims
• Dating results and scientific measurements
• Quotes attributed to archaeologists, scientists, and officials
• Heritage law and policy claims
• Statistical and demographic data

Our Verification Process

1. Primary source identification— Every factual claim is traced to its origin: the published study, official excavation report, institutional press release, or direct interview. We do not accept secondary reporting as a primary source.
2. Academic cross-referencing— For research claims, we consult the original peer-reviewed publication. We note when findings are from preprints or preliminary reports that have not yet been peer-reviewed.
3. Expert consultation— For significant discoveries or contested interpretations, NKV seeks comment from at least one independent specialist — an archaeologist, anthropologist, or scientist not affiliated with the originating research team.
4. Editorial review— All factual claims are reviewed by a senior editor before publication. High-impact or sensitive stories are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief.
5. Scientific uncertainty disclosure— Where findings are preliminary, contested, or subject to ongoing debate, NKV explicitly states this in the article. We do not present tentative conclusions as established fact.

Source Hierarchy

• Tier 1: Peer-reviewed journal articles, official excavation reports, institutional press releases from accredited universities or museums
• Tier 2: Direct interviews with named experts, established wire services (AP, Reuters), government cultural heritage agencies
• Tier 3: Conference presentations, preprint studies (labeled as such), established secondary news sources

Handling Contested Findings

Archaeological discoveries frequently generate debate within the scholarly community. When credible experts dispute a finding, NKV reports the dispute rather than presenting one interpretation as definitive. We clearly identify the positions of each expert and their institutional affiliations.

Misinformation Response

NKV publishes dedicated fact-check articles to address archaeological misinformation that circulates widely in the media — including pseudoarchaeological claims about ancient civilizations, misattributed artifacts, or fraudulent discoveries. These articles are clearly labeled Fact Check and follow the same sourcing standards as all editorial content.

Contact

To report a factual concern: [email protected]. All credible submissions are reviewed within 48 hours.