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Policies

How the Nashville Scene separates journalism from advertising and ownership, handles gifts and conflicts of interest, uses artificial intelligence, and moderates comments.

Distinction of Editorial, Advertising and Ownership

The Nashville Scene is published by Freeman Webb Publishing, which is owned by real estate company Freeman Webb. The current owners of Freeman Webb are Bob Freeman, currently a sitting state representative, Mike Freeman, and Harvey Freeman.

The Scene maintains editorial independence from our company's advertising department, which sells ad space to local businesses. Buying an advertisement does not guarantee nor influence coverage of any sort. Certain special issues may be underwritten by advertisers, but these are rare and do not influence the direction of reporting or criticism within the paper. The Scene also maintains editorial independence from Freeman Webb; when instances arise that cover the real estate company or its ownership, we will always disclose the relationship.

The editorial content of the Scene stems from the efforts of a team of editors, staff writers and a roster of freelancers. It is not produced by generative artificial intelligence tools and not directed by sales or ownership.

Gifts and Conflicts of Interest

Promotional materials and review copies of media sent to the Scene do not guarantee or influence coverage. Please refrain from sending gifts to reporters to solicit coverage or thank them for their reporting on you or your client.

The Scene discourages staff from making donations to political campaigns they are covering or to philanthropies or charitable causes that could lead to conflicts of interest.

Staff is advised to use discretion and consult our editor-in-chief when invited to speaking engagements and when accepting fees and honoraria to avoid conflicts of interest.

The Nashville Scene's A.I. Policy

We use AI tools to help create and maintain our websites, interactive features and internal business and advertising tools. That work is always reviewed and tested by our team.
 
The articles you read here are reported, written and edited by human beings — people who drink coffee, drive across town to interview sources, photograph live events and have strong opinions on Nashville’s best cheeseburger. These humans are your neighbors, and they ask follow-up questions, check facts and argue about copy edits. We put our names on our work.
 
Sometimes we use AI to help build tools that improve the reader experience, support our sales team or make our operations more efficient. For instance, we use an AI-powered software to transcribe interviews. We have used AI to comb through thousands of pages of documents in the process of investigative reporting. We have used AI to build newsletter layouts. Humans always check that work.
 
We’re a small group passionate about independent journalism. The words you read will always be written by and edited by humans. The photographs you see will always be taken by a human. 

SceneChat Terms

Our site offers SceneChat, an AI-powered chat assistant that recommends local events based on your questions. By using SceneChat, you agree to the following:

AI-generated content

SceneChat's responses are generated by artificial intelligence using event listings from our data providers. While we work to keep information accurate, responses may contain errors, omissions, or outdated details. Event dates, times, prices, and availability should be confirmed with the venue or event organizer before making plans. SceneChat's recommendations are provided "as is," without warranty of any kind, and do not constitute endorsements.

Third-party events

Events surfaced by SceneChat are organized and operated by third parties. We are not responsible for cancellations, changes, ticketing, or your experience at any event.

Acceptable use

SceneChat is provided for finding local events and related information. You agree not to use it for unrelated purposes, to attempt to extract or manipulate its underlying systems, or to submit unlawful, abusive, or harmful content. We may limit or suspend access to the assistant for misuse, automatically or otherwise.

Do not submit personal information

SceneChat does not need — and asks you not to share — personal information such as your full name, contact details, or payment information.

Sponsored content

Some suggested prompts and featured events within SceneChat may be sponsored placements, and the assistant may display advertising.

We may modify, suspend, or discontinue SceneChat at any time.

Comment Policy

The Nashville Scene reserves the right to remove any comments from our site or various social media platforms at any time. Comments featuring hate speech or otherwise threatening or violent content will be deleted. To report a comment you think violates our terms, email editor@nashvillescene.com.