Ethics Policy
Our Core Values
Nai Khabar is committed to journalism that serves the public interest. Our ethical framework rests on five pillars: accuracy, independence, fairness, accountability, and humanity.
Accuracy
We verify information before we publish it. We do not publish speculation as fact. When we are uncertain, we say so. We correct errors quickly and transparently (see our Corrections Policy).
Independence
Nai Khabar journalists serve readers, not advertisers, political parties, or governments. We disclose conflicts of interest. We decline gifts, paid travel, and free services from people or organizations we cover. Business and editorial operations are strictly separated.
Fairness & Balance
- We give subjects of critical coverage the opportunity to respond before publication.
- We seek out multiple perspectives on contested issues.
- We avoid stereotyping based on religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or political affiliation.
- We use fair and neutral language, especially in coverage of conflict, religion, and minorities.
Accountability
Every article carries a byline. Editors are named on our About page. We publish corrections openly. We respond to reader complaints within 24 hours. We welcome scrutiny of our work.
Humanity & Privacy
- We exercise special care when reporting on crime victims, children, sexual assault survivors, and people in traumatic situations.
- We do not publish identifying information of minors involved in criminal cases without legal and ethical justification.
- We blur or withhold graphic images where public interest does not outweigh harm.
- We weigh the privacy of private individuals against the public’s right to know, erring on the side of privacy when reporting on non-public figures.
Anonymous Sources
We use anonymous sources only when the information cannot be obtained otherwise and the public interest is significant. Before granting anonymity:
- An editor must approve the use of the anonymous source.
- We describe the source’s position enough to convey credibility (e.g., “a senior official in the Ministry of Finance”).
- We explain in the article why anonymity was granted.
- We never use anonymous sources to attack the reputation of named individuals.
Plagiarism & Attribution
We do not copy from other publications. When another outlet breaks a story, we credit them by name and link to the original. We quote primary sources directly and attribute all factual claims.
Images & Video
- We use original photography, licensed stock imagery (from services like Unsplash), or properly attributed images.
- We do not digitally alter news images beyond basic color/contrast adjustments.
- Photo illustrations and staged images are clearly labeled.
- We verify user-submitted imagery for authenticity before publication.
AI & Automation
We may use AI tools for grammar, research support, image enhancement, and headline testing. We do not publish AI-fabricated quotes, facts, or sources. Every Nai Khabar article is written and edited by human journalists.
Hate Speech & Incitement
We do not publish content that incites violence against individuals or groups on the basis of religion, ethnicity, gender, sect, or political affiliation. Comments that violate this standard are removed.
Violations of This Policy
Violations of this ethics policy by Nai Khabar staff are investigated by the editor. Consequences may include retraining, reassignment, or dismissal, depending on the severity.
Contact Us
If you believe a Nai Khabar journalist has violated this ethics policy, please email [email protected].