Preamble
The Chenab Times Network is committed to the highest standards of ethical journalism. Accuracy, fairness, independence, and accountability are the foundation of our work. Above all, we protect our integrity because public trust is our most valuable asset.
This Ethics Policy provides guidance to editors, reporters, contributors, and freelancers on professional conduct. Not every situation can be anticipated; therefore, ethical judgment, transparency, and consultation with senior editors are essential at all times.
No individual should take actions that could compromise the credibility of The Chenab Times. Any ethical concern must be discussed with a senior editor. Ethical responsibility is collective, and violations must be reported promptly.
Fairness, Accuracy, and Independence
We strive to report fairly, accurately, and independently.
- Wherever possible, we seek responses from individuals or institutions whose actions are questioned.
- Facts are verified through reliable, credible sources before publication.
- Errors are corrected promptly and transparently, in line with our Correction Policy.
- Reporters and photographers identify themselves to sources. Any exception requires prior approval from a senior editor.
- Plagiarism in any form is prohibited. Press releases may not be published as news without clear attribution and editorial scrutiny.
Anonymous and Unnamed Sources
Anonymous sources are used only when:
- The information is of clear public interest, and
- It cannot be obtained on the record.
Safeguards include:
- Anonymous sources must never be the sole basis of serious allegations.
- They may not be used for personal attacks.
- The source’s credibility and reason for anonymity must be explained as fully as possible to readers.
- The source’s identity must be known to the editor, and approval from a senior editor is mandatory.
Information sourced from social media must be verified. When using reports from other organisations, we apply our own standards before publication.
Quotations and Attribution
- Quotations must reflect the speaker’s words accurately, allowing only minor grammatical clarification.
- The method of obtaining a quote (email, statement, press conference, translation) should be disclosed where relevant.
- Attribution must be precise; statements should not be presented as original reporting if sourced elsewhere.
- Exclusive information from another outlet must be clearly credited.
Bylines and Credit
- All content carries accurate bylines or desk credits.
- Multiple bylines reflect meaningful contributions.
- Use of wire services or partner content is clearly acknowledged.
- Desk bylines may be used for collaborative or editorially managed stories.
Gifts, Meals, Travel, and Hospitality
As a rule, we pay our own way.
- Staff members should not accept gifts, money, or favors from sources.
- Complimentary access to events is permitted only for reporting purposes.
- Travel expenses should be paid by The Chenab Times whenever possible.
- Any exception must be approved by a senior editor.
Conflicts of Interest and Outside Activities
Staff and contributors must avoid activities that compromise editorial independence.
- Public political activism, advocacy work, or campaigning is prohibited for those covering related beats.
- Social media conduct must reflect journalistic responsibility; public posts are treated as extensions of professional work.
- Opinion may be expressed only where the role explicitly allows it.
- Any potential conflict of interest must be disclosed to a senior editor.
Financial Interests
Employees and contributors may not cover:
- companies, organisations, or individuals in which they or close family members have a financial interest.
Any potential financial conflict must be disclosed in advance.
Freelancing and External Work
Freelancing is permitted with conditions:
- contributors may not work for competing news organisations covering the same primary geography or beats;
- freelance work must not conflict with responsibilities at The Chenab Times;
- breaking or exclusive stories relevant to our coverage must not be published elsewhere first;
- use of The Chenab Times affiliation elsewhere requires disclosure to senior editors.
Use of Resources
Reasonable use of the outlet’s equipment for external work may be allowed outside working hours. Use of newsroom resources for commercial or freelance benefit without approval is prohibited.
Broadcast Appearances and Public Speaking
Staff members appearing on radio, television, podcasts, or panels related to their reporting must obtain editorial approval and be clearly identified as affiliated with The Chenab Times.
Speaking fees are generally discouraged. Travel expenses for professional events may be accepted with approval.
Personal Relationships
Staff members may not report on individuals or organisations with whom they have close personal, family, or business relationships, except in clearly disclosed first-person reporting.
Violations and Accountability
Ethical concerns are addressed constructively but seriously.
- All violations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Corrective action may include clarification, correction, reassignment, or termination of association, depending on severity.
- Transparency and accountability guide all decisions.