The mission of Bhagdatpuram.com is to ensure that the highest standards of journalistic integrity and ethics policy are maintained in all our content. As credible citizen journalism providers for Bhagalpur and the surrounding areas, we take pride in providing truthful, unbiased, and responsible journalism that benefits the public and deepens democracy.
This Ethics Policy captures the overall principles that guide story choices, interactions with readers and sources, and behavior within the newsroom.
Editorial Independence (Ethics Policy)
Bhagdatpuram.com enjoys complete editorial independence. Content and news articles are created without any undue influence or access from political parties, government entities, businesses, or advertisers. Editorial judgment is made solely based on the merit and relevance of public interest.
We will never accept payment or favors in exchange for coverage. All sponsored or branded content is labeled accordingly and is always kept separate from editorials.
Truth and Accuracy
Correctly and fairly reporting facts is non-negotiable for us. Our journalists: Confirm the validity of credible sources before publishing.
Facts, statistics, and quotes are attributed to credible sources.
Do not ignore context or situate the reader in the middle of speculation, exaggeration, or free contextless editorial material.
News is clearly defined and announced as such, as well as personal/organizational views and comments made about the news.
We fix errors quickly and openly following our [Correction Policy] procedures.
Fairness and Impartiality
- Every report maintains balance and fairness.
- Make sure that different sides are presented, particularly in controversial or conflicting narratives.
- Grant the right of reply to individuals and organizations accused or criticized.
- Do not include personal perspectives or opinions within news articles.
- Opinion and editorial articles are labeled as such to make it clear that these are not the views of the newsroom unless stated.
Integrity and Accountability
Our coverage team serves the public and exercises transparency. Criticism is acknowledged, reasonable complaints are accepted, and mistakes are addressed without becoming defensive. We aim to foster trust among the public by being open and ethical.
Recognizing shortcomings is a sign of growth, and admitting mistakes is therefore a learning moment.
Conflict of Interest
To support impartiality and neutrality:
- Reporters and editors are required to outline any personal, political, or commercial ties that can affect their assignments.
- Staff members are prohibited from receiving gifts, complimentary travel, or favors from subjects or organizations they are covering.
- Active participation in campaigns or public endorsements makes a reporter ineligible to give acceptable coverage, thus making the acceptance of such endorsements neutralize impartiality.
- Conflicts of any kind are managed either through disclosure and clear communication with the readers or through the assignment of roles.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity focuses on privacy matters. Privacy is treated with extreme care. This includes, but is not limited to, the dignity of a person. Privacy also applies to victims of crimes, minors, and vulnerable people.
- Considerable Factors: Policy and governance focus on the omission of names and identification for ethics and safety. For public interest, graphic images are avoided if not absolutely necessary. When interviewing a person who is disturbed. Informed consent is attained.
Source Utilization (Ethics Policy)
Sources are approached from a perspective of trust combined with responsibility.
Except in the case of justifiable anonymity, sources are unnamed. Use anonymous sources only when plausible evidence is presented. Always tell the truth about our identity when gathering news. Hidden cameras and recordings, as well as disguises, are forbidden unless there is strong public interest and it is legal within the restrictions of the law.
Plagiarism vs Originality
Bhagdatpuram.com does not condone plagiarism under any circumstances. All reporting needs to be original, or credit given appropriately. We do not publish for other publishers without permission or proper citing first.
Every journalist is required to ensure that every written and multimedia document, graphic, or photo is produced personally or is licensed for appropriate use.
Use of Social Media
The social media accounts of our journalists are well-maintained. They have the freedom to express their private opinions, but are required to:
- Do not post comments containing partisan political hatred or bigotry.
- Do not share information whose authenticity has not been verified or validated.
- Request behavior that aligns with the values of the newsroom from which they have been issued.
- Any account shared on registered social media handles expresses the position and policy of Bhagdatpuram.com.
Ethics Policy: Additional Policies
This is not the first ethics policy we have drafted. As we improve as reporters, journalists, and to be in line with modern technologies, audience preferences, and other facets, we have varying policies set in place. All internal audits, sessions, and training involve teaching staff to maintain ethics standards in all reporting.
Feedback is always welcome, both from our readers and the general public. It is important to us to improve continuously. If you do have any comments regarding our Ethics Policy or any content available on our website, do not refrain from contacting us.
Bhagdatpuram.com seeks to cultivate a new culture of news that is anchored on facts, respect, responsibility, and trust in communities. Thank you for aiding us in supporting ethical journalism in Bhagalpur.
