Satire Policy
The facts stay factual. The framing gets funny. When something is fully made up, we say so — loudly.
Three lanes, clearly separated
1. Real Local News. Real local stories — based on official posts, local news reporting, public records, event pages, business announcements, and verified community tips. We never invent facts, quotes, crimes, accusations, or details. The framing can be sharp or skeptical. The facts have to stay factually accurate.
2. Real-Satire. Real, verified events written in our satirical voice. Nothing is invented — the story, the names, the dates, and what actually happened are real and sourced. We don't make up quotes, characters, or details. The only thing we add is tone. Strip out the attitude and you're left with an accurate news brief.
3. The Roar (Fiction). Clearly-labeled fictional satire — obviously fake commentary inspired by local life: traffic, parking, tourism, city meetings, bureaucracy, roadwork, weather, Facebook group drama, development, and local culture. Any quotes inside fictional satire are spoken by fictional characters.
What you'll see on each article
Every article carries one of three disclaimer boxes so you always know which lane you're reading.
Reported by [source name] ↗. THE LOCAL LION did the framing — the facts come from the source.
Shown on Real Local News articles.
This article is based on real events and publicly available information. The underlying facts are real; jokes, exaggerations and comedic framing are satire.
Shown on Real-Satire articles.
This article is satire. Names, quotes, events and details may be fictional, exaggerated or completely made up for comedic purposes.
Shown on The Roar (fully fictional satire) articles.
How satire is labeled
- Long-form fictional satire is tagged THE ROAR · SATIRE in the headline area and on every card.
- Short social-first fictional satire is tagged ROAR SHORT · SATIRE.
- Real-Satire pieces are filed under the Real-Satire category and carry the gold "Real Story, Satirical Voice" disclaimer plus the original source link.
What we will not do
- We do not invent fake damaging claims about real private citizens.
- We do not invent fake damaging claims about real local small businesses.
- We do not invent crimes, accusations, lawsuits, health violations, or fraud.
- We do not name real private citizens in fictional satire.
- We do not punch down at vulnerable people. Satire targets systems and situations.
- In Real-Satire pieces we invent nothing — no quotes, no characters, no details. The story, the names, the dates, and the events are real and sourced; only the tone is ours.
No intent to mislead
THE LOCAL LION does not intend to mislead readers. If you believe a piece is mislabeled, inaccurate, or has crossed a line, please get in touch and we will review it.