At CRTV Media, we believe in empowering students to be the next generation of ethical, thoughtful, and creative storytellers. Our media policy reflects that mission—encouraging student-led content creation while ensuring journalistic responsibility, accuracy, and respect for our school community.

Columbia River Television, CRTV Digital, and all other associated properties operate under the protection of Washington State’s Student Free Expression Law (RCW 28A.600.027), which guarantees the rights of student journalists to exercise freedom of speech and press in school-sponsored media. These rights are supported in alignment with Vancouver Public Schools district policies, which affirm the educational value of student-led media and emphasize the importance of responsible content creation.

We operate within a framework that promotes student ownership of editing, publishing, and multimedia storytelling. Through consistent training, ethical guidance, and technical support, we aim to maintain a platform that is engaging, current, and rooted in the values of credible journalism.

All content shared through this website—whether video, written, or visual—is created with care: upholding accuracy, protecting privacy, and fostering respectful dialogue. While advisors provide oversight and support, students are the primary drivers of content, gaining real-world experience in a safe and responsible environment.

This platform is both a privilege and a responsibility. By maintaining it with integrity and creativity, we ensure CRTV Media remains a trusted source of student voice at Columbia River High School—supported by law, upheld by district policy, and led by student passion.

The following are approved district guidelines which CRTV Digital and its website adheres to. 

1. Support Student Leadership

• Encourage students to take ownership of content, editing, and publishing.

• Guide them in making decisions rather than making decisions for them.

2. Plan for Year-to-Year Management

• Make sure there is a system for training new students each year.

• Have clear roles (editors, writers, tech managers) to ensure a smooth transition.

• Keep login information and technical instructions in a secure but accessible place for future staff.

3. Keep Content Updated & Maintain the Site

• Encourage regular updates-stale or outdated content can make the site irrelevant.

• If the site is inactive for too long, it may be taken down and access revoked by the school district.

• Have a system to remove or update incorrect information quickly.

4. Teach Responsible Journalism

• Ensure students understand ethical reporting, fact-checking, and fairness in both video and written news form.

• Encourage balanced reporting that represents different viewpoints.

• Remind students to avoid gossip, rumors, or unverified claims.

5. Ensure Accuracy & Credibility

• Require multiple sources for each story.

• Teach students to cite sources and verify facts before publishing.

6. Respect Privacy, Permissions & Copyright

• Any content involving students (interviews, videos, photos) must have proper parental permission forms before being posted.

• Protect the privacy of students and staff —no posting sensitive or personal information.

• Teach students about copyright laws and how to properly use images, music and quotes.

7. Monitor Without Controlling

• Be available for support, but let students lead the process.

• Step in if content is inappropriate, harmful, or violates school guidelines.

8. Be Ready to Respond to Controversy

• If an article or post causes controversy, there must be a plan to remove it very quickly (almost immediately).

• Staff advisors should be available to take down content outside of school hours if necessary.

• Discuss with students how to address issues responsibly instead of deleting content without explanation when possible.

9. Be Mindful of Background Music & Unintended Messages

• Background music in videos should be school-appropriate and copyright-free.

• Songs with offensive lyrics, hidden messages, or unintended meanings should be avoided.

• Be aware of images, memes, or phrases that could be misinterpreted or offensive.

10. Encourage Engagement & Feedback

• Allow students to receive feedback from readers in a positive way.

• Promote respectful discussions in comment sections (if applicable).

• Restrict or moderate all comments on the website/social media to prevent hate speech, curse words, and bullying.

11. Provide Technical & Editorial Support

• Help students learn website management, layout design, and basic coding if needed.

• Offer editing advice but let students maintain their voice.

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