When Americans turn on the news, they expect one thing above all else: accuracy.

Recent reporting errors involving the use of archival footage during coverage of a dignified transfer ceremony have reignited concerns about transparency in broadcast journalism. While the network involved issued an apology and described the mistake as inadvertent, the incident highlights a larger issue that extends far beyond a single broadcast.

In an era of rapid news cycles, live feeds, and social media amplification, even small sourcing mistakes can spread quickly and undermine public trust. Whether covering military ceremonies, elections, public safety events, or international conflicts, networks have a responsibility to ensure that viewers know exactly what they are seeing.

Accuracy is not partisan. Transparency is not ideological. Trust in media depends on consistent standards applied to every story, every time.

We call on major cable and broadcast news organizations to adopt clear, universal practices for video verification and on-screen labeling of archival footage. File footage should always be clearly marked. Editorial review processes should prioritize verification before speed. Corrections should be timely, visible, and specific.

We also urge the National Association of Broadcasters to convene a cross-network effort to establish voluntary best practices for sourcing, labeling, and correcting video content across all news programming.

Americans deserve reporting that informs rather than confuses.

Clear standards protect viewers, strengthen journalism, and restore confidence in a free press that serves the public honestly.

Sign this petition to demand stronger accuracy and transparency standards across all major news networks.