Editorial Standards & Ethics
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Haunted Attraction Network (HAN) is the leading news source for the haunted attraction industry. We serve a global audience of haunters, haunted attraction professionals, industry executives, Halloween enthusiasts, and home haunters. Our work spans original reporting, podcasts, video, and original research.
This page describes the editorial standards we hold ourselves to and how we maintain integrity in our reporting.
Our Editorial Mission
HAN exists to inform, connect, and inspire the haunted attraction community. We report the news, document trends, profile practitioners, and produce original research that helps the industry grow. We approach our work as journalists. Our coverage decisions are made on news judgment, not commercial considerations.
We are journalism, not publicity. We do not run press releases without rewriting them, we do not accept payment for editorial coverage, and we do not allow advertisers or sponsors to influence what we cover or how we cover it.
Sourcing & Attribution
We rely on primary sources whenever possible. This includes direct interviews with haunt owners, designers, performers, and industry professionals; on-the-record statements from companies and attractions; official announcements; and original documents such as press releases, court filings, permits, and corporate communications.
When we report claims that come from secondary sources, we attribute them clearly. Direct quotations are reproduced accurately and attributed by name and title. We do not fabricate quotes, composite quotes from multiple statements, or alter quotes for clarity without indicating that we have done so.
Fact-Checking Protocol
Before publication, every article is reviewed against its source materials. Specific claims, including dates, figures, names, attraction details, and corporate relationships, are verified against the underlying documents or statements. When source materials conflict, we note the conflict in the article rather than choosing one version silently.
When a claim cannot be independently verified, we either omit it, attribute it to its source so readers can evaluate it themselves, or label it as our own analysis.
Distinguishing Reporting from Analysis
HAN publishes news reporting, analysis, podcasts, and feature coverage. We label these differently. News articles report what happened. Analysis and opinion pieces are clearly identified as such. Podcasts and video content may include commentary, opinion, and reaction in addition to reporting; the format makes this distinction clear by its nature.
Objectivity & Independence
HAN is owned by Philip Hernandez, who also serves as CEO of Gantom Lighting Controls. Gantom provides operational funding for HAN as part of its content marketing strategy. The full ownership and funding disclosure is published on our Ownership & Funding page.
This relationship does not influence our editorial decisions. Gantom does not review articles before publication, does not approve or veto coverage, and does not direct which haunts, companies, products, or people we cover. HAN regularly covers attractions, designers, manufacturers, and events with no Gantom involvement, and our editorial standards explicitly require coverage that maintains independence from any single commercial relationship.
When HAN covers Gantom, a Gantom product, or a paying Gantom client as the primary subject of an article, we disclose that relationship within the article itself. See our Corrections Policy for the specific disclosure language and triggering conditions.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
HAN uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in the production of editorial content. AI is used as a drafting and research aid under the direction of human editors. All AI-assisted content is reviewed, fact-checked, edited, and approved by Philip Hernandez before publication.
We do not publish content generated by AI without human editorial review. We do not use AI to fabricate quotes, sources, or events. AI does not make editorial decisions about what we cover or how we frame stories.
Conflicts of Interest
When a writer, editor, or contributor has a personal, financial, or professional relationship with the subject of a story, we disclose it. This includes business relationships through Gantom Lighting Controls, friendships with industry figures, and any compensation received from sources or their representatives.
Writers do not cover companies in which they have a financial stake beyond the disclosed Gantom ownership relationship.
Press Trips, Media Access & Comped Tickets
HAN regularly receives invitations to attend haunted attractions, trade shows, and industry events as media. Accepting press access, complimentary tickets, or media credentials does not obligate HAN to provide coverage, and it does not influence the tone or substance of any coverage we do produce.
When travel, lodging, or significant event access is provided by a subject of coverage and that arrangement could reasonably be considered material, we disclose it within the relevant article.
Corrections & Accountability
When we make a factual error, we correct it. Our complete corrections policy is published on our Corrections Policy page.
Reader Contact
Editorial questions, story tips, and feedback can be sent to philip@hauntedattractionnetwork.com. Corrections requests should follow the procedure on our Corrections Policy page.
Haunted Attraction Network
PO Box 1115
Canyon Country, CA 91386
