The NewsX Code Of Conduct

Accuracy

• Journalists must ensure the accuracy of all published information, avoiding misleading or distorted facts, headlines, or images.
• Significant inaccuracies must be corrected promptly with appropriate prominence, accompanied by an apology if necessary.
• Distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture, and fact.
• A publication must report fairly and accurately the outcome of an action for defamation to which it has been a party unless an agreed settlement states otherwise.

Privacy

• Respect the private and family lives of individuals, including their correspondence and digital communications.
• Intrusions into privacy must be justified and balanced against the public interest.
• It is unacceptable to photograph individuals in private places without their consent.

Harassment

• Avoid intimidating, harassing, or persistently pursuing individuals.
• Cease contact upon request and identify yourself and your organization clearly.
• Material obtained in violation of this principle must not be used.

Integrity in News Gathering

• Subterfuge or deceit in news gathering should only be employed when justified by a substantial public interest and when no alternative means are available.
• Respect personal privacy, especially in sensitive areas such as hospitals, schools, and during moments of grief or shock.

Protecting Children

• Children under 16 must not be interviewed or photographed on issues relating to their welfare without explicit parental or guardian consent.
• Avoid publishing material that could lead to the identification of child victims or witnesses in sexual offense cases.
• Pupils must not be approached or photographed at school without the permission of school authorities.

Discrimination

• Avoid prejudicial or pejorative references to an individual's race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or physical/mental disability unless genuinely relevant.
• Refrain from including such details unless they are essential to the story.

Confidentiality

• Protect confidential sources of information unless legally compelled to reveal them.

Public Interest

• Adherence to the Code can be overridden only when publication serves a compelling public interest, such as exposing crime, protecting public safety, or correcting misinformation.
• Any use of public interest as a defense must be proportionate and well-documented.

Bylines and Attribution

• NewsX campaigns for the byline of the content creator on all publications of NewsX content.
• Illustrations, including graphics, pictures, documents, videos, and sound files, must be properly credited with the correct byline and agency name (as provided by the relevant NewsX affiliate).
• Exclusive content that is rewritten or non-exclusive content where language and word order are unchanged must also credit the NewsX reporter with a byline.
• Each reporter is identified by a unique byline, which is typically their name (e.g., Jon Smith, Jon W Smith, Jon Smith Jr, or J Smith).

Reporting Suicide

• Avoid excessive detail of the method used in reporting suicide to prevent simulative acts.
• Balance this with the media's right to report legal proceedings.

Financial Journalism

• Journalists must not use financial information for personal profit before its general publication.
• They must disclose significant financial interests to editors when writing about shares or securities.

Witness Payments in Criminal Trials

• No payment should be made to witnesses once proceedings are active, except where justified in the public interest.

Clandestine Devices and Subterfuge

• The use of hidden cameras or clandestine devices must be justified in the public interest and used only when no alternative means exist.

Victims of Sexual Assault

• Avoid identifying or publishing material likely to identify victims of sexual assault unless legally justified and adequate justification exists.

Payment to Criminals

• Payments to criminals or their associates must not glorify or exploit crimes.

Taxonomy

Community Engagement

Verification of Information

Journalists must rigorously verify all sources and information. Modern digital tools enable access to a wide range of data, but it is the journalist's responsibility to filter and confirm the credibility of these sources. By signing their byline, a journalist guarantees the accuracy of the content.

Separation of News and Marketing

Maintain a strict distinction between news reporting, commentary, and marketing. Accredited journalists must not accept direct PR or marketing contracts unless disclosed transparently. Financial journalism must avoid conflicts of interest.

Fact-Checking and Corrections

All facts must be thoroughly checked. Corrections should be issued immediately upon discovery of errors. If required, publish an apology or offer a right to reply.

Balancing Our Bias

NewsX backs journalism that is bold, opinionated, and unafraid to provoke — as long as it's grounded in truth, verified facts, and fair reporting. We reject sterile, box-ticking journalism that avoids offense at the cost of impact. Our reporting should be passionate and fearless, capable of praising or criticising anyone — from political leaders to cultural icons — without bias or fear. We expect multiple sides of a story to be fairly represented, including views often ignored or dismissed by the mainstream. Our goal is to break echo chambers, not build new ones. Great journalism isn't neutral — it's honest, rigorous, and willing to challenge itself.

Ethical Use of Digital Tools

Journalists must rate and review online news sources in the Storifyr newsroom to maintain a credible database and avoid discredited platforms.

Agencies

NewsX agencies operate symbiotically with local communities to ensure the integrity and relevance of news content. Agencies are prohibited from distributing PR or marketing material disguised as news unless it meets stringent editorial standards.

Publishers

Publishers using NewsX content must credit bylines and agency names properly. Exclusive content must include proper attribution and follow strict guidelines to maintain transparency and trust.