EDITORIAL POLICY & GUIDELINES - "KURDISTAN NEWS – INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS"
Effective Date: [2023-10-23]
Update Date: [2025-08-12]
1. Purpose and Editorial Mission
Our editorial mission is to provide accurate, balanced, and in-depth reporting on Kurdistan and its global connections. We are committed to independent journalism that informs, connects, and empowers Kurdish society while upholding the highest standards of truth, fairness, and integrity.
We believe journalism plays a vital role in cultural preservation, civic engagement, and constructive nation-building — achieved through factual reporting, critical analysis, and diverse perspectives, free from political or corporate influence.
2. Editorial Independence
- We are independent from any political party, government, religious institution, or corporate owner.
- All editorial decisions are made in the public interest and guided by professional journalistic ethics.
- We do not accept funding or advertising that compromises our editorial integrity.
3. Accuracy and Verification
- All facts must be verified using multiple credible sources before publication.
- Data, statistics, and quotations must be attributed to reliable, identifiable sources.
- Anonymous sources may be used only when necessary to protect safety and confidentiality, and their credibility must be rigorously evaluated.
- If errors are discovered, we correct them promptly and transparently.
4. Fairness and Balance
- We present multiple perspectives on contentious issues, ensuring coverage is balanced and inclusive.
- We avoid stereotyping individuals, communities, or groups based on ethnicity, gender, religion, or political affiliation.
- When reporting on conflicts, we provide historical and contextual background to avoid misleading narratives.
5. Ethics and Integrity
- Journalists and contributors must declare any conflicts of interest before working on a story.
- We do not accept gifts, favors, or payments from sources or subjects of coverage.
- We respect the privacy and dignity of individuals, especially in cases involving victims of violence or vulnerable communities.
- Sensitive images and language are used only when editorially justified and in the public interest.
6. Source Protection
- We maintain strict confidentiality for sources who request anonymity.
- Digital and physical security measures are taken to protect source identities and materials.
- Whistleblowers and vulnerable sources are given additional protections in line with international press freedom standards.
7. Plagiarism and Originality
- All work must be original or properly attributed.
- Plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal of the content and possible termination of collaboration.
8. Editorial Review Process
- All submissions go through an editorial review to check for accuracy, clarity, structure, and compliance with these guidelines.
- Editors have the final authority on whether a piece is published, revised, or rejected.
9. Corrections and Accountability
- If factual errors are found after publication, we will issue a correction or clarification at the earliest opportunity.
- Serious breaches of ethics will be investigated, and the results will be made public where appropriate.
10. Coverage Scope and Sensitivity
Our coverage includes but is not limited to:
- Current affairs and politics
- Culture and heritage
- Human rights and civil society
- Economy and innovation
- Environment and sustainability
- Diaspora perspectives
When reporting on sensitive topics, we prioritize context, accuracy, and responsibility to avoid causing unnecessary harm or tension.
11. Contributor Commitments
All journalists, editors, and contributors must:
- Adhere to these guidelines.
- Maintain professional conduct in all interactions.
- Strive for truth, fairness, and respect in every piece of work.
ADOPTED BY:
EDITORIAL BOARD – “KURDISTAN NEWS – Insights & Analysis”
