1. Editorial Independence

Newsroom is committed to editorial independence. Content is produced free from political, commercial, personal, or external influence. Advertising, sponsorships, and partnerships do not determine editorial decisions.

2. Accuracy, Truthfulness, and Fairness

Newsroom shall:

  • Take reasonable steps to ensure accuracy, balance, and context
  • Present news truthfully and not mislead the public
  • Distinguish clearly between fact, opinion, analysis, and comment
  • Avoid distortion through exaggeration, omission, or misrepresentation

Material errors will be corrected promptly, clearly, and with due prominence.

3. Right of Reply and Reply to Criticism

Where individuals or organisations are the subject of critical reporting, Newsroom shall:

  • Provide a fair opportunity for response prior to publication where reasonably practicable
  • Publish responses or replies with due prominence where appropriate

4. Comment, Opinion, and Analysis

Comment and opinion shall:

  • Be clearly identified as such
  • Be based on facts that are true or honestly believed to be true
  • Not misrepresent facts or context

5. Privacy, Dignity, and Reputation

Newsroom respects the right to privacy and human dignity and shall:

  • Avoid unnecessary intrusion into private lives unless justified by clear public interest
  • Exercise special care when reporting on children, victims of crime, or vulnerable individuals
  • Avoid causing unnecessary harm, humiliation, or distress

6. Public Interest

Intrusion into privacy or use of confidential material is justified only where there is an overriding public interest, including but not limited to:

  • Exposing wrongdoing, corruption, or abuse of power
  • Protecting public health or safety
  • Preventing the public from being misled

7. Sources and Confidentiality

Newsroom shall:

  • Seek to verify information obtained from sources
  • Protect confidential sources where legally and ethically justified
  • Not publish allegations based solely on anonymous sources without adequate verification

Information obtained through dishonest or unlawful means will not be used unless justified by overwhelming public interest.

8. Discrimination and Hate Speech

Newsroom shall avoid prejudicial or pejorative reference to race, gender, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, disability, or other personal characteristics unless strictly relevant to the story and in the public interest.

9. Children

Children shall be afforded special protection. Newsroom shall:

  • Not identify children involved in criminal proceedings
  • Exercise care when publishing images or personal details of minors
  • Consider the long-term impact of reporting involving children

10. Sponsored Content and Transparency

Sponsored, paid-for, or promotional content shall be clearly identified as such. Editorial content shall not be disguised advertising.

11. Accountability and Complaints

Newsroom is accountable to its readers and commits to addressing complaints fairly and promptly.

Complaints may be escalated to: editor@newsroom.co.za

Editorial Commitment

Newsroom subscribes to the principles of ethical journalism as set out in the Press Code of South Africa and commits to maintaining public trust through responsible, independent, and accountable reporting.