- +1 (615) 717-7616
- kip@dodsonmc.com
- 9050 Carothers Parkway, Franklin, TN 37067
In a world where information is more accessible than ever, the truth has become both easier to find and harder to verify. At DodsonMC, EmpowerLocal, and SourceLocalMedia, we’re passionate about helping local businesses, media outlets, and influencers bridge that gap by building integrity-driven, audience-centered strategies. We believe that, just like the scientific method, ethical journalism serves as a bedrock for responsible and effective communication. So what do these two disciplines really have in common, and why does it matter for the media landscape we’re shaping today?
1. Commitment to Truth and Accuracy
In science, everything begins with a commitment to discover the truth. Hypotheses are tested, data is collected, and conclusions are drawn based on objective findings. Similarly, ethical journalism is rooted in a duty to report the truth with clarity and precision. For SourceLocalMedia, this commitment to accuracy drives every project we undertake. We’re not interested in fluff, clickbait, or sensationalism; we’re about giving local audiences content they can trust. Whether we’re guiding a media outlet on a content strategy or creating marketing messages for a local business, we prioritize truth as our starting point.
2. Objectivity and Impartiality
Scientists are trained to look at data without bias. They eliminate personal beliefs to ensure findings reflect reality, not perception. Journalism ethics demand the same discipline. Ethical journalists avoid conflicts of interest and separate facts from opinions to maintain credibility. At EmpowerLocal, we apply this same rigor by focusing on data-driven insights that help local publishers and influencers connect meaningfully with their audiences. When we advise on campaigns or brand messages, our approach is to deliver objective and impartial information that resonates because it’s real—not because it’s hyped.
3. Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is a core value both in science and journalism. Researchers document every step so others can replicate their studies, while ethical journalists disclose their sources and methods. This accountability is key to building trust, which is something we focus on at DodsonMC. We don’t hide behind jargon or empty promises. When we create a digital strategy, our clients know every aspect of the process, every tool we’re using, and how we’re measuring success. Trust, after all, isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through openness and reliability.
4. Evidence-Based Conclusions
Scientists don’t make claims without data, and ethical journalists don’t report without sources. They both rely on evidence to guide conclusions, and this approach underpins the strategies we craft at DodsonMC, SourceLocalMedia, and EmpowerLocal. For us, data isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the bedrock of our approach. When we analyze a local business’s performance or evaluate the success of a content piece, we look at real, actionable metrics. We believe in letting the evidence speak for itself, allowing our clients to see the direct impact of our work in real numbers.
5. Open to Scrutiny and Revision
One of the most important things that science and journalism have in common is a willingness to revisit conclusions. Science thrives on peer review, where findings are scrutinized, retested, and refined. Journalism, too, allows for corrections and updates when new facts emerge. At EmpowerLocal and SourceLocalMedia, we encourage that same adaptability in the digital space. We know that digital strategies aren’t static; they have to evolve. Our “Digital Basics Audit,” for example, gives clients an objective measure of their online foundation, but it’s only the starting point. We refine, adjust, and improve as the data and audience feedback guide us.
Why This Matters for Modern Media
At DodsonMC, EmpowerLocal, and SourceLocalMedia, our mission is clear: to build a media ecosystem where trust, integrity, and meaningful connection take center stage. That’s why we look to the principles of the scientific method and journalism ethics as guides in everything we do. Today’s audiences are savvy—they can tell the difference between genuine content and a hard sell. By grounding our strategies in transparency, accuracy, and evidence, we help our clients meet this high standard.
In a media landscape that often feels fast and loose, we believe in creating content and campaigns that stand the test of time. It’s a commitment that goes beyond metrics and clicks; it’s about restoring faith in media as a trusted source of information and connection. Whether you’re a business owner, a local publisher, or an influencer, partnering with DodsonMC, EmpowerLocal, and SourceLocalMedia means working with a team that’s committed to truth, just as much as you are to your audience.
Join us in making media matter again. Let’s build a strategy grounded in ethics, authenticity, and results.
Your strategy should change. Before you do it, consider the Source Score, Digital Basics Score, Net Promoter Score and who you have on your team right now.
Discover how the Source Score, co-created by DodsonMC, can transform your business. The Source Score is more than just a metric—it's a comprehensive roadmap designed to help you achieve top-tier industry performance.
