Topic

Our Standards

The Charlotte Mercury's own policies on what it publishes, how it licenses its work and why.

We Won't Publish Guilt-by-Proximity Headlines

When an unaccepted invitation becomes a headline, journalism slips into insinuation. Here's why The Charlotte Mercury won't publish proximity stories without evidence.

Peter Cellino·Feb 4, 2026

opinion

Why a Texas Pizza Bankruptcy Isn't Charlotte Business News

A Texas pizza franchise's bankruptcy just ran as "Charlotte business news." Here is why that old attention-merchant model is breaking down and what The Charlotte Mercury is doing instead.

Peter Cellino·Nov 24, 2025

opinion

Why The Charlotte Mercury Publishes Under CC BY-ND 4.0

The Charlotte Mercury drops paywalls and adopts a Creative Commons BY-ND 4.0 license, betting that open reuse drives reach, trust, and civic engagement, while sponsors keep the lights on.

Jack Beckett·Jul 10, 2025

Charlotte Mercury graphic. The words Charlotte business. in large white type on a dark navy background, above the line: Who is hiring, who is building, where the money goes.