PhotoNews Pakistan

Preamble

The trust of our audience is the foundation of PhotoNews Pakistan. As a leading digital news network, we are committed to the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy, and responsibility. This Code of Ethics outlines the principles that guide our reporting, editing, and publishing for all staff members, contributors, and partners. It is binding and serves as our commitment to ethical journalism, public accountability, and the public’s right to know.

We adhere to the spirit and letter of this code, balancing the imperative of a free press with respect for individual rights. Exceptions to certain clauses, as noted, are permitted only where a legitimate public interest is clearly demonstrated and can be justified.

Our Core Principles

1. Truth & Accuracy

We strive for factual accuracy in all our reporting.

• We verify information from multiple reliable sources before publication.
• We clearly distinguish between fact, opinion, and analysis. All commentary and conjecture must be properly labeled.
• We promptly correct significant errors of fact with due prominence and clarity, issuing an apology where appropriate.
• We do not knowingly publish false or misleading information, including manipulated images or videos.

2. Fairness & Impartiality

We report with fairness, context, and respect.

• We seek multiple perspectives, especially from those directly affected or accused, and provide a meaningful opportunity to reply to significant criticism or allegations.
• We approach subjects with an open mind and avoid undue bias, prejudice, or distortion.
• We treat individuals involved in news stories with humanity, exercising special sensitivity when reporting on tragedy, grief, or shock.

3. Integrity & Independence

We avoid conflicts of interest and maintain editorial independence.

• We do not accept gifts, favors, or special treatment that could compromise our journalistic judgment.
• Staff must not use undisclosed financial information for personal gain or profit, nor write about entities in which they hold a significant financial interest without explicit disclosure to editors.
• Our news judgments are made free from undue influence by advertisers, political interests, or internal commercial pressures.

4. Accountability & Transparency

We are accountable to our audience and transparent in our work.

• We clearly identify our journalists and label sponsored or partnered content.
• We are open about our sources and methods, explaining the “why” behind our pursuit of a story, while protecting the confidentiality of sources who provide information in good faith.
• We welcome and respond to constructive feedback and complaints about our coverage.

5. Respect for Rights

We balance the public’s right to know with individual rights to privacy and dignity.

• We do not intrude into private lives, homes, or communications without a clear public interest justification.
• We do not engage in intimidation, harassment, or persistent pursuit. We cease inquiries and leave private property when asked.
• We protect the identities of victims of sexual assault and children in sex cases, barring exceptional public interest.

Specific Guidelines for Digital Journalism

1. A. Reporting on Vulnerable Individuals

• Children: We protect the welfare of minors. We do not interview or photograph children under 16 on matters involving their own or another child’s welfare without consent from a custodial parent or guardian. We avoid identifying children who are witnesses to or victims of crime.
• Hospitals & Institutions: Journalists must identify themselves and obtain permission from a responsible official before entering non-public areas of hospitals, care homes, or similar institutions.

1. B. Use of Methods & Materials

• Clandestine Devices & Subterfuge: The use of hidden recording devices, interception of communications, or misrepresentation is prohibited unless it is the only way to obtain information of vital public interest, and only with explicit prior approval from senior editors.
• User-Generated Content & Social Media: Material from social media or the public must be rigorously verified for authenticity and provenance before publication.
• Pictures & Videos: We do not digitally alter images or videos in a way that misleads the audience. Captions and credits must be accurate.

1. C. Interactions & Payments

• Payments to Sources: We do not pay witnesses in active criminal trials. Payments to convicted criminals or their associates for stories that glorify crime are prohibited unless a compelling public interest is demonstrated and approved at the highest editorial level.
• Financial Journalism: Journalists must not trade in securities they have recently covered or intend to cover, nor tip others to do so.

1. D. Discrimination & Hate Speech

• We avoid prejudicial or pejorative references to an individual’s race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or medical condition unless directly relevant to the story.
• We have a duty to report on matters of discrimination and intolerance, but we will not amplify hate speech or serve as a platform for bigotry.

The Public Interest

Exceptions to clauses marked with an asterisk (*) in our detailed internal guidelines (which expand on this code) may be justified where a legitimate public interest is served.

The public interest includes, but is not limited to:

• Exposing or preventing crime, corruption, or serious wrongdoing.
• Protecting public health, safety, or national security.
• Preventing the public from being misled by the statements or actions of an individual or organization.
• Upholding freedom of expression and the democratic process.

Any decision to invoke a public interest exception must be documented, approved by senior editorial leadership, and must demonstrate a reasonable belief that the journalistic activity or publication served that interest.

Accountability: All staff and contributors are responsible for understanding and adhering to this code. Editors are responsible for its enforcement.

Complaints: We take breaches of this code seriously. To submit a complaint or query regarding our editorial standards, please contact us at: admin@photonews.com.pk

This Code of Ethics is a living document and is subject to periodic review to meet the evolving challenges of digital journalism