PRAI News maintains the highest standards of journalistic integrity and ethical reporting. These editorial guidelines ensure accuracy, fairness, and transparency in all our content, serving as the foundation for our commitment to quality journalism.
## Core Principles
### Accuracy and Verification
– All facts must be verified through at least two independent, reliable sources
– Direct quotes must be accurate and properly attributed
– Statistical data and research findings must be sourced from credible institutions
– When information cannot be independently verified, this limitation must be clearly stated
### Editorial Independence
– Editorial decisions are made solely by our newsroom staff
– Commercial considerations do not influence editorial content
– Clear separation is maintained between editorial content and advertising
– Conflicts of interest are disclosed and managed appropriately
### Fairness and Balance
– Multiple perspectives are presented on controversial issues
– Subjects of critical coverage are given opportunity to respond
– Personal opinions are clearly distinguished from factual reporting
– Bias is actively identified and minimized in news reporting
## Content Standards
### Source Requirements
– **Primary Sources**: Direct interviews, official documents, eyewitness accounts
– **Secondary Sources**: Reputable news organizations, academic institutions, government agencies
– **Attribution**: All sources must be properly credited unless anonymity is justified for safety or legal reasons
– **Anonymous Sources**: Used only when essential and verified through additional reporting
### Fact-Checking Process
1. **Initial Verification**: All claims verified during reporting
2. **Editorial Review**: Senior editors review all content before publication
3. **Final Check**: Last verification of facts, quotes, and attributions
4. **Post-Publication**: Ongoing monitoring for accuracy and reader feedback
### Corrections Policy
– Errors are corrected promptly and transparently
– Corrections are clearly marked and explain the nature of the error
– Significant corrections are prominently displayed
– Original incorrect information is preserved with strikethrough formatting
## Reporting Standards
### Breaking News
– Speed does not compromise accuracy
– Developing stories are clearly labeled as such
– Updates include timestamps and clarification of new information
– Unconfirmed information is clearly identified
### Investigative Reporting
– Extensive documentation and verification required
– Legal review for sensitive investigations
– Protection of sources and whistleblowers
– Public interest justification for publication
### Interview Standards
– Interviews are conducted in good faith
– Questions are relevant and fair
– Context is provided for quotes and statements
– Interview subjects are treated with respect and dignity
## Digital and Social Media Guidelines
### Online Publishing
– Headlines accurately reflect article content
– Search engine optimization does not compromise editorial integrity
– Multimedia content meets the same standards as text
– User-generated content is moderated and verified
### Social Media
– Social media posts maintain professional standards
– Personal opinions of staff are clearly distinguished from organizational positions
– Breaking news on social platforms includes appropriate caveats
– Engagement with readers is professional and constructive
## Legal and Ethical Considerations
### Privacy
– Public interest is weighed against individual privacy rights
– Victims of crimes and their families are treated with sensitivity
– Personal information is only published when relevant to the story
– Children’s privacy is especially protected
### Defamation and Libel
– All potentially defamatory statements are carefully reviewed
– Legal consultation is sought for sensitive content
– Right of reply is offered to subjects of critical coverage
– Public figures and private individuals are treated according to appropriate legal standards
### Copyright and Fair Use
– All copyrighted material is used in accordance with fair use principles
– Proper attribution is provided for all borrowed content
– Permission is sought when required
– Original reporting and analysis is prioritized
## Transparency and Accountability
### Editorial Process
– Clear distinction between news reporting and opinion content
– Editorial positions are clearly labeled
– Sponsored content is prominently identified
– Conflicts of interest are disclosed
### Reader Engagement
– Reader feedback is welcomed and considered
– Complaints are addressed promptly and fairly
– Public editor function available for serious concerns
– Regular review and updating of editorial policies
## Staff Responsibilities
### Professional Conduct
– Staff maintain professional standards in all interactions
– Personal social media use reflects positively on the organization
– Continuing education in journalism ethics and practices
– Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations
### Conflict of Interest
– Financial interests that could affect coverage are disclosed
– Personal relationships that could influence reporting are managed appropriately
– Outside activities that could create conflicts are reviewed and approved
– Gifts and hospitality are declined or properly disclosed
## Enforcement and Review
These guidelines are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices in digital journalism. All staff are required to understand and follow these guidelines, with regular training provided to ensure compliance.
Violations of these guidelines are taken seriously and may result in corrective action, additional training, or disciplinary measures as appropriate.
For questions about these guidelines or to report concerns about editorial content, please contact our editorial team at editorial@prai.co
—
*Last updated: September 11, 2025*
