Code of Ethics Policy

Purpose: This Code of Ethics Policy is designed to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity, responsibility, and transparency in all reporting and content creation by Unique News Online. This policy is aligned with Indian laws, the Press Council of India (PCI) guidelines, and internationally recognized media ethics, ensuring our content positively contributes to public understanding and social responsibility.

1. Truth and Accuracy

Unique News Online is committed to delivering accurate and truthful reporting, free from exaggeration or distortion. Our commitment includes:

Fact Verification: Ensuring that all published information is based on verified facts from credible sources.
Avoiding Misinformation: Refraining from spreading rumors, unverified data, or misinformation, particularly in public-interest stories.
Corrections and Clarifications: If an error is identified, we will issue a prompt correction or clarification, openly acknowledging mistakes.

2. Fairness and Impartiality

Unique News Online values balanced, fair reporting and strives to respect all perspectives.

Balanced Representation: Present diverse viewpoints in news stories and analysis without favoritism.
Non-Partisanship: Maintain an unbiased stance, avoiding affiliation with political, commercial, or ideological interests that could impact our objectivity.
Conflict of Interest: Journalists and contributors must disclose and avoid conflicts of interest to uphold journalistic independence.

3. Respect for Privacy

Respecting privacy rights is central to ethical journalism at Unique News Online.

Informed Consent: Obtain consent when reporting on private individuals, except when information is in the public interest.
Confidential Handling: Treat all sensitive information with confidentiality, especially in cases involving minors or vulnerable groups.
Minimizing Intrusion: Avoid intrusive reporting into personal matters unless justified by a clear public interest.

4. Social Responsibility

Unique News Online embraces its role in contributing positively to society.

Promote Public Interest: Focus on content that serves public understanding and encourages informed decision-making.
Avoid Harmful Content: Refrain from publishing content that incites hate, violence, or discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, or other social divides.
Support Vulnerable Groups: Treat all marginalized or vulnerable groups with sensitivity and fairness in our reporting.

5. Protection of Sources

Unique News Online values the trust of sources and is committed to their protection.

Confidentiality: Preserve the anonymity of sources who request it, especially when disclosure could risk their safety.
Authentic Sourcing: Ensure that all cited sources are genuine and reliable; avoid fabricating or misrepresenting sources.

6. Compliance with Indian Laws and Journalism Standards

Unique News Online strictly adheres to the Indian legal framework and follows standards set by journalism authorities like the Press Council of India.

Compliance with PCI Guidelines: Follow the Press Council of India’s guidelines on journalistic conduct, accuracy, and impartiality.
Respect for Copyright: Only use third-party content with permission or fair use and ensure proper attribution.
Legal Responsibility: Avoid content that may breach defamation, obscenity, or other applicable laws.

7. Independence and Integrity

Maintaining editorial independence and integrity is crucial to building public trust.

Editorial Independence: Content-related decisions should be free from external influence by advertisers or sponsors.
Transparency in Sponsorships: Disclose any affiliations, sponsorships, or financial relationships that may affect editorial decisions.
Rejecting Bribes and Undue Influence: Staff should not accept gifts, payments, or incentives that could compromise objectivity or integrity.

8. Transparency and Accountability

Unique News Online is accountable to its readers and committed to operating transparently.

Encouraging Feedback: Provide accessible channels for public feedback, allowing readers to voice concerns, correct inaccuracies, or suggest improvements.
Internal Review Process: Regularly review content and journalistic practices to ensure adherence to ethical standards.
Responding to Complaints: Address complaints and content concerns promptly, working to resolve issues in alignment with ethical values.

9. Editorial Guidelines on Sensitive Topics

Certain topics require special consideration to avoid harm.

Violent or Graphic Content: Limit the publication of graphic images or violent content; use content warnings where necessary.
Gender and Diversity Representation: Promote fair and respectful representation across genders and communities, avoiding stereotypes.
Crime and Legal Reporting: Uphold the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” in crime-related reports and ensure factual, unbiased legal coverage.

10. Environmental Responsibility

Unique News Online recognizes its responsibility to consider environmental impact.

Promoting Sustainability: Encourage sustainable practices in reporting, prioritizing digital dissemination to reduce paper usage.
Environmental Awareness: Support content that raises awareness of environmental issues and advocates for responsible behavior.

Conclusion

Unique News Online is committed to maintaining high ethical standards in all journalistic endeavors. This Code of Ethics Policy is a promise to our readers, reflecting our commitment to accountability, transparency, and public trust. We will regularly review and update this policy to ensure compliance with evolving journalism standards and ethical expectations.