Ethics Policy

Guidelines for Professional Standards and Ethics

Fairness and truthfulness are fundamental principles that guide our organization. However, it might be argued that there is no aspect more crucial than the need for a news organization to maintain and safeguard its integrity. The faith of the general public in our job, which is considered our most valuable asset, is contingent upon this matter.

The purpose of this dynamic document is to provide comprehensive counsel to the employees of Hindustan Prime on the many complex ethical dilemmas that may occur during the execution of their professional responsibilities. However, due to the inherent unpredictability of various circumstances, it is advisable to keep in mind two specific principles.

1) It is imperative that individuals refrain from engaging in behaviors that have the potential to undermine the credibility of the company. The use of the aforementioned idea may facilitate the navigation of several intricate matters, including political engagement, attribution, and freelancing policy.

2) It is advisable to engage in a discussion with a ranking (masthead) editor on any circumstance that gives rise to concerns about trustworthiness. It is essential that no one make decisions of this nature on their own.

All people collectively share responsibility for upholding ethical standards. It is imperative for any employee who becomes aware of ethical transgressions committed by a colleague to promptly report the situation to a superior editor.

Hindustan Prime acknowledges the presence of some matters that can be readily handled due to their clear-cut nature, but also acknowledges the existence of other topics that include varying degrees of complexity and ambiguity. Not every inquiry requires a quick notification to a senior editor. The act of engaging in open and comprehensive discussions with newsroom members is often seen as a valuable and necessary approach to addressing questions. It is advisable to refrain from engaging in ethical deliberations in isolation. The act of collaborating leads to the generation of superior choices.

Professional activities and Standards 

The principles of fairness, accuracy, and corrections are essential in academic discourse. These principles uphold the integrity and credibility of scholarly work by ensuring that information is presented in a balanced and unbiased manner, supported by reliable evidence

The Hindustan Prime endeavors to function with principles of impartiality, precision, and autonomy.

In an effort to promote balanced reporting, the Hindustan Prime endeavors to actively seek divergent perspectives and actively invites those whose actions are subject to scrutiny in news articles to provide their answers.

As purveyors of news, it is incumbent upon us to diligently and faithfully disseminate information, ensuring its accuracy and timeliness. In doing so, it is imperative that we make concerted efforts to include perspectives from opposing viewpoints or provide additional contextual information, if feasible, subsequent to the initial news release. If the opposing party cannot be contacted, it is advisable to acknowledge this fact.

It is important to cultivate an atmosphere of impartiality in the manner in which we approach our coverage. It should not be assumed that an opposing party is capable of promptly delivering coherent and well-considered solutions to complex matters. It is essential for evolving narratives to explicitly convey their intention to undergo further updates, often denoted by the inclusion of phrases such as “more to come” or similar expressions.

It is imperative that we endeavor to achieve equilibrium in our coverage while maintaining a feeling of urgency.

Prompt and transparent acknowledgment of faults is essential, with no attempts to conceal or downplay them in subsequent narratives. The removal of erroneous or mistakenly published material from the web should only be pursued in exceptional cases, subject to the authorization of the Executive Editor. In the context of online content, it is important to rectify any inaccuracies that may arise and explicitly acknowledge the updates made to address the issue or enhance the clarity of the narrative. We consistently recognize our errors and rectify any inaccuracies in a manner that promotes transparency.

When evaluating requests for the removal of factually correct material from our publicly accessible archives, it is essential to take into account not just the individual’s desire to hide the content but also the broader societal interest in maintaining access to this information. The decision-making process will be influenced by several circumstances and ultimately require the approval of the Executive Editor. The policy in place dictates that published information within our archives should not be removed. However, it is important that our archives maintain accuracy, comprehensiveness, and currency. Consequently, we shall undertake the necessary measures to update and rectify archived content as required, which includes making adjustments to headlines.

It is essential to address any inaccuracies that arise when a narrative, image, video, caption, editorial, or similar medium presents a misleading representation of reality.

In the context of corrections or clarifications, it is advisable to include the original mistake if its omission would result in a lack of essential context required for comprehending the intended repair or explanation. An instance of correction, such as “The misspelling of Boe Editorowski’s name was identified in an article pertaining to the Hindustan Prime,” is deemed satisfactory for publication. There is no need to repeat the first mistake. In order to ensure accuracy and maintain consistency, any necessary corrections or clarifications should be added to the original piece online and placed in a consistent location in print.

In instances where uncertainty arises over the need for a correction, clarification, or removal of an article or picture, it is advisable to escalate the problem to an editor.

It is important for journalists and photographers to properly identify themselves when approaching news sources. In exceptional cases where it is deemed advisable to withhold our identification, it is necessary to get consent from the executive editor or the senior editor who is responsible for the particular area.

It is essential for journalists to refrain from engaging in plagiarism, which encompasses both the act of directly copying another individual’s written work and the dissemination of press releases as news content without proper acknowledgment. The journalists affiliated with Hindustan Prime have the responsibility of doing thorough research in a manner that is equivalent to their responsibility for accurate reporting. The unintentional dissemination of someone else’s work does not serve as a justification for the act of plagiarism. Engaging in plagiarism may lead to severe disciplinary measures, which may include the termination of one’s academic or professional standing.

Journalists are required to actively report on breaking news events; however, it is imperative that they refrain from impeding the operations of civil authorities throughout their professional assignments. Under no circumstances should a journalist engage in illegal activities. Journalists who see themselves as being unjustly constrained in their professional duties are anticipated to maintain composure and professionalism, promptly notifying a senior editor about the circumstances.

Confidentiality and Unidentified Sources 

It is important to establish clear agreements about the preservation of anonymity with sources prior to engaging in any research or data collection activities. It is important to ensure that sources have a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and guidelines. What data may be attributed to the source, and what data cannot be attributed? Off-the-record refers to information that is not public until it has received independent confirmation from another source.

It is generally advisable to refrain from using anonymous sources in narratives. Information from anonymous sources will only be credited when it is deemed newsworthy and cannot be acquired via other means.

When opting to depend on anonymous sources, it is essential to refrain from allowing them to serve as the only foundation for any narrative. Unnamed sources will be prohibited from engaging in personal assaults. It is important to provide a comprehensive description of the unidentified source, emphasizing its legitimacy, in order to enhance the reliability of the information. It is essential to provide readers with an explanation of the rationale behind the source’s request for anonymity or the circumstances under which anonymity was granted.

In journalistic practice, it is incumbent upon a reporter to disclose the identity of any anonymous source to their editor. Correspondingly, the editor has the responsibility of requesting the identification of any undisclosed source used in the narrative. The use of anonymous sources is contingent upon the authorization of the Executive Editor.

It is advisable to use our own criteria when evaluating the utilization of anonymous sources in articles generated by external newspapers or wire services, to the maximum degree feasible. In situations where substantial discrepancies arise between the attribution of material in the wire report and the Hindustan Prime’s policy about unattributed sources, it is advisable to proactively reach out to the original news agency in order to get more clarification and details.

The Hindustan Prime does not provide compensation for information under any circumstances.

Use Of Names and Descriptions

When law enforcement or other authorities ascertain the identity of an individual who has been apprehended, such individual may be named via Hindustan Prime media channels. In some circumstances, an individual may not get formal identification until they have been officially charged with a crime.

It is arguable that the identification of juveniles should be withheld unless they are to be subjected to adult legal proceedings or their alleged offense is considered to possess significant newsworthiness. It is advisable to engage in a collaborative process with an editor when making such a selection.

It is essential for Hindustan Prime to diligently cover the final resolution of a case after an individual has been identified in our reporting.

Hindustan Prime frequently withholds the identities of those who have experienced sexual assault.

The dissemination of physical descriptions of suspects should be limited to instances where the level of precision is deemed enough to facilitate effective identification.

Social Media identities and Use

It is essential that social media profiles associated with news organizations, whether at the local level or under the umbrella of Hindustan Prime, have a distinct branding that prominently features the name of the respective news entity.

Employees of Hindustan Prime are advised to abstain from promoting organizations with whom they have direct contact or that fall within the scope of their coverage. The act of retweeting, sharing articles, or using “+1” indications should not be seen as endorsements.

It is imperative for the social media accounts of Hindustan Prime, an official news agency, to conspicuously and unambiguously convey that they serve as a representational platform for our establishment. Prominent indications of journalistic affiliation can be observed through various means. These may include the utilization of branded backgrounds, the incorporation of the newspaper’s name into the title of the page, and the inclusion of the journalist’s home-based publication, such as the Hindustan Prime, in the profile or locational information, as permitted by the social media platform.

While representing the news organization in public settings, journalists working for Hindustan Prime must uphold professional standards on both their personal and professional social media platforms. It is important for journalists to demonstrate awareness of their choice of language, the viewpoints they convey, the visual content they provide, and the potential public interpretations of their postings. First and foremost, individuals should maintain awareness of the inherently public character of social media platforms.

It is important for individuals to see themselves as ambassadors of the organization throughout any kind of public engagement.

Disseminating information using social media platforms. In order to maintain academic integrity, it is essential for those who are not the primary creators of information to appropriately acknowledge and cite the original source from which the information is derived.

The staff of Hindustan Prime must refrain from deleting inaccurate postings and instead adhere to established rules for online and print corrections. These guidelines include acknowledging the prior dissemination of erroneous material while concurrently providing accurate information.

• In the case of media platforms that now have editing capabilities, such as Facebook, it is advisable to rectify any errors by including an “UPDATED” notation at the commencement of the post. In addition, it is recommended to provide a note inside the article explicitly indicating that an update or remedy has been implemented.
• In the context of Twitter, it is considered optimal to respond to a first post with factual information as a means of maintaining the connection and visibility of the material.

Journalists from Hindustan Prime are granted the privilege of disseminating news using social media platforms, particularly in instances of heightened competition. Nevertheless, it is important for individuals to meticulously deliberate about their comprehensive reporting strategy, whereby social media reporting should be used to enhance rather than replace the process of crafting narratives. The objective is to guarantee the precise publication of our material across all platforms.

Social Media in Breaking News Coverage

In the context of disseminating breaking news via social media, it is imperative for journalists to ensure that the original post has proper sourcing. Furthermore, it is essential for journalists to explicitly indicate their physical presence or absence at the scene. In the case that individuals are not physically present at the location, it is essential for them to consistently and explicitly cite the sources from which they get information pertaining to the incident.

If a journalist intends to share material from an anonymous source on their personal social media platform, they are required to comply with the criteria outlined in the “Confidentiality and Unidentified Sources” part of this paper. For the inclusion of any anonymously sourced content, it is essential that an editor be included in the decision-making process. It is imperative that there be a thorough discussion before any publication.

When citing material obtained on Twitter, it is recommended to retweet the information in its original format, either as a single post or via many occurrences. Merely engaging in the act of duplicating and inserting content without proper attribution is seen as unacceptable within academic contexts.

Quotation and Attribution

In academic writing, it is essential to ensure that quotations accurately reflect the precise words said by an individual, allowing for slight adjustments in grammar and syntax as necessary. The use of parentheses inside quotes is generally considered inappropriate and may often be avoided. The use of ellipses should likewise be discouraged.

In instances where a quotation is obtained by means other than an interview, it is often advisable to provide clarification about the specific method of acquisition, such as via email correspondence, a written statement, or a televised news conference. In situations where an interview is conducted with the assistance of a translator, it is essential to appropriately acknowledge and attribute any quotations obtained via these means.

It is crucial for a journalist to avoid presenting a quote as coming directly from a source when, in fact, it came from an intermediary.

Bylines, dates and Credit lines 

Accurate conveyance of the source of reporting is essential via the utilization of bylines, datelines, and credit lines. It is essential for all narratives, even concise accounts, to provide a byline and the writer’s contact details, enabling readers to establish communication in the event of any inaccuracies or concerns.

In the context of several bylines, it is customary for the first name to correspond to the reporter who authored the piece, or alternatively, to the most significant contribution, if different. The inclusion of all reporters who made significant contributions to a story is vital for proper attribution in the byline. The allocation of contributor lines should be limited to those who have contributed small portions of reporting, such as a few isolated quotes, to a given narrative.

It is imperative that we provide the information produced by our colleagues at Hindustan Prime, who are affiliated with partner newspapers, with the same level of treatment as we would with the work of our own newspaper’s team. In instances where a journalist composes an article that incorporates both wire service news and their own investigative work, it is essential for the piece to prominently display the journalist’s byline along with an acknowledgment of the wire service in a tagline.

If the journalist autonomously presents the factual information pertaining to the narrative, the attribution line may function independently. In the event that the reporter incorporates local content, it is recommended that the byline attribute the original source while also acknowledging the reporter’s contribution via a credit at the conclusion.

When incorporating a wire-service quotation into a narrative, especially when it pertains to exclusive material or an unidentified source, it is essential to attribute the origin of the statement. According to a senior administration official who spoke to the Washington Post, it has been said that Bush intends to pursue re-election.

Non – Staff Bylines

Certain pages may have bylines attributed to news agencies instead of our own staff members. News agencies are relied upon to provide comprehensive coverage of global events and uphold the highest standards of journalism.

The Associated Press

The source of information is the Associated Press. The Associated Press (AP) is a non-profit news cooperative that operates independently. It provides news services to member newspapers and broadcasters inside the United States, as well as servicing consumers globally. The Hindustan Prime is among the aforementioned options. AP journalists, located in over 100 countries, are responsible for conveying global narratives, including a wide range of subjects such as immediate news updates, in-depth investigative journalism, and captivating visual storytelling. Since its establishment in 1846, the Associated Press (AP) has consistently provided comprehensive coverage of major global news events, demonstrating unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of impartial and precise journalism. To get more insight into the principles and standards outlined in AP’s Statement of News Values and Principles, one might go into the subject matter.

City News Service

The source of information is the City News Service. CNS is a regional wire service that provides coverage for the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego. The reporting and editing personnel of this organization provide coverage on matters pertaining to public safety, courts, local government, and general assignment articles. Visit the About Us page for more information on the procedures.

No Bylines

Our editorial board adheres to a no-byline policy for the editorials it produces. The editorial board and personnel responsible for the opinion section maintain independence from the news-gathering division within our company. Our editorial team expresses viewpoints on significant matters that impact our audience, including topics such as pension reform, preservation of our region’s distinct natural resources, and transportation. The editorials don’t have signatures because, despite the fact that one or more members of our team wrote them, they represent the viewpoint of our news company’s managerial body. To ensure the formulation of well-informed stances, we engage in regular consultations with government officials, community representatives, and business leaders to address significant issues that impact our towns, regions, and states. During the electoral process, it is customary to engage in meetings with candidates running for public office, as well as proponents and opponents of ballot initiatives. These interactions serve as a basis for formulating suggestions that may be presented to voters.

Visual Imaging and Editing

Visual journalists and those responsible for overseeing visual news productions are obliged to adhere to the following set of criteria in their day-to-day professional activities:

The purpose of picture creation should be to accurately, truly, and objectively convey information. It is important to exercise caution and refrain from succumbing to manipulation when confronted with contrived picture opportunities.

In addition to portraits and drawings, it is essential to refrain from presenting images or videos or engaging in the manipulation of news events. It is important to provide precision and thoroughness in the portrayal of various issues. It’s crucial to correctly identify images that designers or photographers have altered for illustration purposes.

It is important to approach all topics with a sense of reverence and regard for their inherent worth and importance. It is essential to pay particular attention to those who are vulnerable and demonstrate sympathy for victims of criminal acts or tragic events. One should only intrude upon private times of sadness when there exists a compelling and morally defensible need for the public to bear witness.

The process of editing should be conducted in a manner that preserves the authenticity and significance of the material and context shown in the photographic photographs. It is imperative to refrain from engaging in any kind of picture manipulation, whether it be still photographs or videos, as well as refrain from adding or modifying sound in a manner that might potentially deceive viewers or inaccurately portray topics. It is important to maintain a commitment to truthfulness and accuracy while providing captions.

It is essential to refrain from providing monetary compensation or material rewards to sources or subjects in exchange for information or their involvement.

The act of reproducing photographs from both print and online publications might be deemed permissible under certain circumstances. Specifically, it is deemed legal when the context of the original printed page or screen capture is included and when the tale or narrative revolves around the image itself and its use within the aforementioned publication. The process of editor discussion and approval is necessary.

The process of extracting photos from television media necessitates the establishment of a mutual understanding and consent between our publication and the respective television station. The frame captures must only consist of photographs produced by personnel affiliated with the station. It is essential to provide proper source attribution when using a picture.

According to the established definition, the copyright of all pictures inherently belongs to the individual or organization responsible for creating or possessing the image. Hence, it is essential to refrain from publishing photographs sourced from the internet or other digital platforms without obtaining explicit consent from the copyright owner, unless certain circumstances require the authorization of a higher-ranking editor.

Exceptions include media websites, particularly those associated with sports leagues that provide photos for media distribution, as well as websites affiliated with public entities, such as towns, counties, and state and federal departments. In order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of pictures sourced from social media, it is essential that an editor conduct a thorough vetting process. This entails engaging in comprehensive discussions according to established verification protocols.

We shall make every endeavor to familiarize ourselves with and comply with the video policy of the venue we are documenting prior to commencing live coverage. In the event that the video regulations are restrictive, it is essential to engage in deliberation over the appropriate course of action for pursuing coverage.

The policy of Hindustan Prime entails the prohibition of the use of news pictures or video content by political campaigns or any advocacy body. Similarly, it is typically not permissible to use Hindustan Prime visual journalism for commercial purposes, with the exception of our own usage. The executive editor retains the authority to use discretion in granting exceptions for the inclusion of content in educational textbooks or for the purpose of historical documentation. It is imperative that Hindustan Prime journalism remain uncompromised, refraining from aligning itself with any political candidate or group’s campaign and avoiding exploitation for financial gain by other entities.

Talking about and debating things related to visual aesthetics, like dead people, nudity, graffiti, and language, needs the approval and consideration of editors. This is true for both print and online media.

Meals, Tickets and Travels Policy

Typically, individuals are responsible for covering their own expenses.

The Hindustan Prime is willing to cover the expenses associated with meals and beverages used during interactions with news sources. As a general practice, complementary lunches are not accepted.

Staff members of Hindustan Prime are permitted to receive complimentary tickets for plays, concerts, athletic events, and other performances only for the purpose of conducting reviews, providing coverage, or fulfilling assignments related to their journalistic duties.

The Hindustan Prime must bear the costs of transportation and other required expenditures incurred for the execution of professional responsibilities, including travel on the press aircraft of a political candidate or sports team, among other scenarios.

Gifts and sample products

It is recommended that employees refrain from accepting or soliciting gifts or free services that are relevant to their company activities. Any items that have a value above $25 should be either returned or given to a charitable organization. The Hindustan Prime newsroom in Monrovia has implemented a practice whereby things are collected throughout the year and then donated on a yearly basis in December.

This approach aims to facilitate and streamline the process of donating to journalists. In some circumstances, it may be seen as appropriate to take items of nominal or trivial worth (valued at less than $25), such as calendars, pencils, or key chains, particularly when returning them might result in an uncomfortable situation.

Hindustan Prime accepts news releases for review purposes, as well as books, CDs, sample food items, software, and other related items. These objects ought not to be sold for personal gain under any circumstances.

Acceptance of grants and scholarships for seminars, conferences, and activities aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge is also feasible. Prior to accepting any funds for tuition coverage for an external event, it is essential to engage a member of the senior management team and provide them with sufficient time to provide their input and evaluation.

Conflicts of Interest and Outside Activities 

Financial Holdings

It is essential that employees refrain from establishing any financial affiliations with subjects they report on, including but not limited to owning stocks or other investments, engaging in external employment, or accepting compensation or preferential treatment that carries economic worth. It is essential to refrain from engaging in conflicts that pertain to the financial interests of spouses or immediate family members.