Editorial Policy

Reports should be checked against relevant evidence such as original documents, official records, direct observations and statements from the people involved. A widely shared post is a lead to examine, not proof that its claims are true. Where verification is incomplete, the report should say what remains uncertain rather than presenting speculation as an established fact.

Credit the origin of quotes, documents, photographs, videos and reporting that informs an article. Readers should be able to distinguish our reporting from an official statement, an agency report or a claim made by another organisation. A publishing-desk byline identifies the desk handling a story and should not be interpreted as evidence of an on-location reporter.

Relevant perspectives should be represented with appropriate context. Allegations must be attributed and distinguished from findings or proven facts. Where a report involves a disputed claim, the newsroom should seek a meaningful response from the people or organisations concerned when practicable and describe important limitations.

A headline, thumbnail or caption should reflect the substance of its article. File photographs, illustrative images and edited material should not be presented as evidence of a different event. Dates, locations, quotations and numerical claims need particular care because missing context can change their meaning.

News describes events and evidence; analysis explains implications; opinion presents a perspective. These formats should be identified so readers understand what they are reading. Fact-check labels describe a particular editorial treatment and do not replace the need to examine the evidence and explanation within that article.

Advertising and sponsored material should be clearly labelled. A commercial placement must not be used to disguise promotional material as independent reporting. Relevant conflicts or commercial relationships should be disclosed where they affect how a reader understands a piece. Commercial enquiries should use the advertising contact route.

Use care with personal information, children, vulnerable individuals and material that could expose someone to harm. Reader submissions require verification and permission to use supplied material. Comments are moderated, and the fact that a comment is published does not make it a newsroom endorsement.

Publishing tools can assist with formatting, distribution and other production tasks. Editorial responsibility remains with the people preparing and approving the report. Generated or manipulated material should not be passed off as an authentic recording or a first-hand account, and factual claims require review regardless of the tool used to prepare them.

Developing reports may gain new information after publication. When an established factual error needs correction, the article should be updated with an appropriate explanation of the material change. Readers can request a review through the Corrections and Complaints page and provide the article URL and supporting evidence.