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15/09/2025
15/09/2025

Editorial Guidelines – World News Studio

1. Introduction

At World News Studio, journalism is a public trust. Our responsibility is not only to inform but also to respect truth, diversity, and human dignity. These Editorial Guidelines define how we report, edit, and publish content across our website, mobile applications, newsletters, and multimedia channels.

They are based on:

  • International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Global Charter of Ethics
  • Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics (USA)
  • Editors’ Code of Practice (UK)
  • Press Council of India Guidelines
  • European Journalism Ethics Frameworks
  • UNESCO Media Development Standards

Our mission is to deliver global, reliable, unbiased, and fact-based news.

2. Core Principles

a. Accuracy

Every fact must be verified before publication. We correct errors promptly.

b. Fairness

We give all parties a chance to respond. Balance matters, even when reporting conflict.

c. Independence

We are free from political, commercial, and personal influence.

d. Accountability

We acknowledge mistakes transparently. Corrections and retractions are publicly visible.

e. Respect for Human Dignity

We avoid content that promotes hate, stereotypes, or discrimination.

3. Fact-Checking Standards

All stories go through multiple verification steps:

  • At least two independent sources for sensitive claims.
  • Preference for primary documents over secondary reports.
  • Cross-referencing with international news wires.
  • Use of fact-checking tools for digital evidence.
  • Consultation with subject-matter experts where needed.

If a claim cannot be independently verified, it will be marked as “unverified” or “alleged.”

4. Sources & Attribution

  • Named Sources Preferred: Anonymous sources only when necessary for safety and approved by senior editors.
  • Transparency: Clearly attribute information to its origin.
  • Paid Sources: Not permitted.
  • Conflict of Interest: Journalists must declare personal, political, or financial ties to a story.

5. Neutrality & Impartiality

We are not advocates; we are observers and explainers. Therefore:

  • No political endorsements.
  • Equal treatment of governments, corporations, and individuals.
  • Coverage must be balanced across regions, religions, and ideologies.
  • Language must avoid bias, sensationalism, or loaded framing.

6. Use of Multimedia

a. Photos & Videos

  • Must be authentic and unmanipulated.
  • Editing limited to cropping, brightness, and clarity adjustments.
  • AI-generated visuals must be labeled clearly.

b. Infographics

  • Data sources must be disclosed.
  • Graphics must not distort or misrepresent statistics.

c. Audio & Podcasts

  • Must represent interviews and statements accurately.
  • Voice editing cannot change context or meaning.

7. Sensitive Reporting

a. Conflict & War Coverage

  • Avoid glorification of violence.
  • Protect identities of vulnerable individuals.
  • Ensure safety protocols for field reporters.

b. Crime & Legal Reporting

  • Presumption of innocence applies.
  • Avoid publishing names of minors or sexual assault victims.
  • Respect legal restrictions in different jurisdictions.

c. Health & Science Reporting

  • Consult qualified experts.
  • Avoid exaggeration of risks or benefits.
  • Clearly distinguish between fact, research, and opinion.

d. Diversity & Inclusion

  • Avoid stereotypes.
  • Represent minority voices fairly.
  • Use gender-sensitive and culturally respectful language.

8. Sponsored & Paid Content

We separate editorial and commercial content.

  • Sponsored articles must be labeled “Sponsored” or “Advertorial.”
  • Editorial staff cannot be influenced by advertisers.
  • Native advertising must be transparent to readers.

9. Corrections & Retractions

If mistakes occur:

  • Minor Errors – corrected within the article with a timestamp.
  • Major Errors – corrected with an editor’s note at the top.
  • Retractions – used if a story is fundamentally false or harmful.

We maintain a Corrections Archive for accountability.

10. Global Legal Compliance

Our editorial practices follow:

  • GDPR & UK GDPR (EU/UK – data privacy).
  • CCPA/CPRA (California – consumer rights).
  • Defamation Laws – respecting reputational rights globally.
  • Copyright Laws – no unauthorized reproduction.
  • IT & DPDP Act 2023 (India) – data and content accountability.
  • Digital Services Act (EU) – content moderation compliance.

We cooperate with courts and regulators, but remain independent in editorial judgment.

11. Social Media & Journalist Conduct

Our journalists must:

  • Avoid expressing personal political opinions on official accounts.
  • Distinguish personal posts from professional reporting.
  • Avoid harassment, trolling, or biased commentary.

12. Conflict of Interest

Employees and contributors must disclose relationships that may affect reporting.

  • No acceptance of gifts or payments for coverage.
  • No investments in companies they report on.
  • No dual roles in government, lobbying, or PR while working with us.

13. AI & Automation in Journalism

We use AI responsibly:

  • Only for assisting research, translation, or formatting.
  • Not for generating entire unverified articles.
  • AI-assisted content must be fact-checked by humans.
  • AI-generated media must carry clear labels.

14. Children & Vulnerable Groups

  • Extra protection for minors under COPPA (USA), GDPR (EU), and global child rights laws.
  • No sensational coverage of child abuse or trafficking.
  • Respect for survivors of violence and trauma.

15. Whistleblowers & Anonymous Contributions

We protect whistleblowers under:

  • UN Guidelines on Whistleblower Protection
  • Indian Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2014
  • EU Directive 2019/1937 on Whistleblower Protection

Anonymous tips are verified before publishing.

16. Review & Updates

Editorial guidelines are reviewed annually to remain compliant with:

  • New global regulations.
  • Industry best practices.
  • Reader and contributor feedback.

17. Contact for Editorial Issues

For corrections, complaints, or editorial queries:

📧 editor@worldnewsstudio.com
📧 complaints@worldnewsstudio.com
📍 Badana Communications & Business Pvt. Ltd.
1st Floor, Bhat Complex, Near Astan, Airport Road, Humhama, Srinagar – 190021, Kashmir, India
📞 +91-9419061646

Editorial independence is the soul of journalism. At World News Studio, we promise our readers that every article, photo, or video we publish follows the strictest global standards of ethics and law.

Our commitment:

  • Truth over speed
  • Accuracy over sensationalism
  • Accountability over denial

By following these Editorial Guidelines, we uphold our mission of being a trusted global news source for all.