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WCTU Cleveland 13 News Affiliate Contributor Terms and Conditions

Last modified/updated: March 12, 2026

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1. Privacy and Confidentiality: Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of news sources is paramount at WCTU. Affiliate Contributors are bound by strict confidentiality standards, obliging them to safeguard all sources, contact information, and sensitive data shared by WCTU or obtained during their work. This obligation is indefinite and continues even after the termination of the Affiliate's relationship with WCTU.

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2. Application and Acceptance: Applying to become an Affiliate Contributor does not guarantee acceptance. Admission is solely at the discretion of WCTU leadership, the WCTU advisory team, and the collective Affiliate Contributors of WCTU. Each application is carefully evaluated based on its merits.

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3. Affiliate Status and Termination: Affiliate Contributors are not employees, partners, or decision-making members of WCTU Cleveland 13 LLC. Their role is that of an "Affiliate Contributor." This status may be terminated at any point, for any reason, or for no reason, at the sole discretion of WCTU leadership, the advisory team, and other collective Affiliate Contributors of WCTU. Termination may occur without prior notice. Termination may result from violations of these terms, ethical misconduct, or other actions that are contrary to the interests and values of WCTU.

 

4. Membership Fees: Affiliate Contributors may be required to pay a membership fee to join or renew their status as an Affiliate Contributor with WCTU. No compensation is provided for their role as an Affiliate Contributor.

 

5. Disclaimer of Responsibility: WCTU Cleveland 13 LLC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or legality of Affiliate Contributor content. This includes the safety of Affiliate Contributors while performing their roles, as well as expenses related to their work. WCTU is not liable for any harm or consequences that may arise from Affiliate Contributor activities or content.

 

6. Press Credentials: Press credentials provided by WCTU are exclusively for identification purposes and do not guarantee access to areas outside of general public access. Affiliate Contributors must comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and access policies when using these credentials.

 

7. Branded Email Usage: Should an Affiliate Contributor opt to use a free Branded Email from cleveland13news.com, the email will remain functional for 90 days after the termination of the Affiliate's role. During this period, it can only receive emails and cannot send them.

 

8. Reimbursement and Expenses: WCTU is under no obligation to reimburse or pay for any expenses or costs incurred by Affiliate Contributors during the course of their work. This includes but is not limited to travel, equipment, or operational expenses.

 

9. Professionalism, Mission, and Conduct:

Affiliate Contributors are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and dignity in all interactions. The Affiliate program is a community of passion, designed to shine a light on others rather than seek personal gain or "perks."

  • Zero Tolerance for Toxicity: Actions or behaviors rooted in a petty, jealous, or petulant nature will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, professional envy regarding social media followings, audience engagement, or similarities in content style.

  • Focus on Contribution: WCTU encourages healthy participation, but we do not "compete" within our own ranks. Our mission is to benefit the community; behavior that prioritizes self-interest over the collective mission is grounds for immediate review and potential dismissal from the Affiliate Contributor program.

 

10. Conflict Resolution and Inter-Affiliate Conduct: While collaboration and professional networking between Affiliates are encouraged, the following rules govern interpersonal disputes:

  • No Direct Dispute Contact: Affiliates are strictly prohibited from contacting other Affiliates to engage in or initiate disputes.

  • Mandatory Reporting: Any issues regarding the conduct or actions of another Affiliate must be brought exclusively to the attention of Cleveland 13’s Administrative Coordinators and Associates for review.

  • Mediation Limits: WCTU does not mediate grievances concerning "competition," such as similarities in content style or audience engagement metrics.

  • Grounds for Removal: Engaging in unprofessional confrontations with peers or displaying behavior deemed detrimental to the collective spirit of the program are grounds for immediate removal from the Affiliate program, revocation of media credentials, and termination of the relationship with Cleveland 13.

 

11. Return of Press Passes: Upon the termination of their relationship with WCTU, Affiliate Contributors must promptly return WCTU-branded press credentials. Unauthorized use of these credentials constitutes fraud and impersonation and may result in legal action.

 

12. Content Submission and Rights: Content submitted by Affiliate Contributors may be published but is not guaranteed to be. WCTU reserves the right to edit, alter, and make changes to content submitted, even after publication. WCTU has the non-exclusive right to publish all works submitted by Affiliate Contributors. WCTU cannot be held liable for the use of that content, Affiliate's name, information, or likeness, even after their relationship with WCTU has ended. This clause is indefinite.

 

13. Indemnification: Affiliate Contributors agree to indemnify and hold harmless WCTU Cleveland 13 LLC, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, or liabilities arising from their actions, omissions, or content created during their affiliation with WCTU.

 

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: These terms and the relationship between Affiliate Contributors and WCTU are governed by the laws of the state of Ohio. Any disputes arising from or relating to these terms shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Ohio.

 

15. Modification of Terms: WCTU reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. It is the responsibility of Affiliate Contributors to review these terms periodically for updates. Continued affiliation with WCTU after changes to the terms indicate acceptance of the modified terms.

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By applying to become an Affiliate Contributor, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these comprehensive terms and conditions. These terms are designed to ensure the integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct of all Affiliate Contributors. Failure to adhere to these terms may result in the termination of your Affiliate Contributor status. We appreciate your dedication to quality journalism and look forward to a mutually beneficial collaboration.

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