Frequently Asked Questions

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Side Effects Public Media is a public health news initiative involving NPR stations across the Midwest. Side Effects is based at WFYI in Indianapolis. Learn more about us here.

To get emails about our latest stories available for republication – or to join our collaboration – contact Farah Yousry, managing editor: fyousry@wfyi.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really republish Side Effects stories for free?

Yes. Side Effects is a free news service. That means any outlet is free to republish our original materials under the Creative Commons license designated CC-BY-NC-ND. This allows us to share our copyrighted material at no charge while protecting the integrity of the materials.

What does the Creative Commons license designation mean?

We subscribe to CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0. In plain language, that’s a Creative Commons license (CC), requiring attribution (BY), for non-commercial purposes (NC), and without modifications or creation of derivative works (ND). If you would like to learn more about this license type, click here. For a more detailed explanation, you can go here.

Are all stories on the Side Effects website available for republication?

No. Our website also publishes NPR pieces. Only Side Effects materials are available for republication. If you see a line at the end of a story mentioning Side Effects Public Media, you’re in the clear.

Can I edit Side Effects stories for my own publication?

Edit only for clarity of place and time (for example, “last week” instead of “yesterday”) or to fit your house style (most Side Effects stories follow AP Style). If you need to write your own headline, that’s OK, too. Additional edits may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at health@wfyi.org if you would like to make changes beyond those described here.

How do I republish a story?

At the bottom of every story containing our original material, you should see a green button that says, “Republish This Story.” That will take you to a page with general instructions, the source code for the story (for quick digital republication) and the NPR API and ID codes (for public radio and television stations).

If the “Republish” button is not visible, outlets are free to rebuild the story in their own content management systems, as long as the story originates from Side Effects Public Media. Side Effects stories will say “Side Effects Public Media” under the headline, like this:

How do I properly credit Side Effects?

The reporter gets a byline (using the following format: By Jane Doe – Side Effects Public Media). Side Effects is credited with a link back in the footer at the end of the piece, which often uses the following format: This story comes from Side Effects Public Media — a public health news initiative based at WFYI. The footer copy is incorporated into the html provided on the “Republish This Story” page.

What about pictures?

You are free to use photos and graphics that we own when you republish stories — just check to see if a member of the Side Effects staff is credited as the creator. You are responsible for obtaining rights for all other pictures and materials not created or owned by Side Effects (such as stock or AP photos). Check with your organization for how to proceed.

My news outlet has a paywall. Can I still republish Side Effects digital stories, videos and audio?

Appropriate links to and citations of our stories are encouraged. Generally speaking, we want our readers and viewers to have free access to our journalism. However, we permit republication behind a paywall if doing so allows a broader audience to benefit from coverage of public health issues. If you would like to republish our stories in conjunction with a paywall, please contact Farah Yousry, managing editor, at fyousry@wfyi.org. Read more about commercial and non-commercial use under Creative Commons here.

May I translate your work?

As a rule, we do not permit translations of our original materials. Side Effects will consider translation requests on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Farah Yousry, managing editor, at fyousry@wfyi.org.

I love what you do! How can I support Side Effects?

If you like us, let people know! If you use one of our stories, give us a shout out on Twitter and Facebook.

I still have a question. Whom can I contact?

Contact Farah Yousry, managing editor, at fyousry@wfyi.org.