This policy explains the standards every story on The News Desk is held to. [Review and adapt to your newsroom before publishing.]
Accuracy and verification
We confirm facts with primary sources wherever possible — official documents, on-the-record interviews and direct observation. Claims we cannot verify are clearly attributed or left out.
Fairness and right of reply
People and organisations facing serious allegations are given a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication, and their response is reported fairly.
Sources and attribution
We name our sources whenever we can. Anonymity is granted only when a source faces genuine risk and the information is important and verified. Stories drawn from partner outlets or wire services credit them in the byline.
Independence
Our editorial decisions are made by our editors alone. Advertisers, sponsors and political interests do not decide what we cover or how.
Sponsored content and advertising
Paid content is always labelled “Sponsored” and carries a disclosure naming the sponsor. It is never presented as independent reporting.
Opinion
Opinion pieces represent the views of their authors and are published in the Opinion section, separate from news reporting.
Corrections
When we get something wrong, we fix it promptly and say so. See our Corrections Policy.