At Derby Now, our commitment to ethical journalism is paramount. We believe that trust is the cornerstone of our relationship with readers, and we strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and accountability in all of our reporting. This Ethics Policy outlines the principles that guide our work and ensure our coverage reflects the values of Derby Now and its community.
Core Principles
1. Accuracy and Fairness
We are committed to publishing news that is accurate, balanced, and fair. We make every effort to verify facts before publication, seeking multiple sources when possible, and presenting stories in a way that is honest and objective.
•We avoid sensationalism and ensure that headlines and images accurately reflect the content of the story.
•If errors occur, we correct them promptly and transparently (see our Corrections Policy for more details).
2. Independence and Impartiality
Derby Now operates free from external influence. Our editorial decisions are made independently of political, commercial, or personal interests.
•We do not accept gifts, favours, or special treatment that might compromise—or appear to compromise—our independence.
•Our reporting will reflect a broad range of perspectives, ensuring no individual or organization is unduly favoured or targeted.
3. Transparency
We are committed to being transparent about our processes and the sources of our information.
•We identify our sources, providing as much context as possible for the claims we publish, except when protecting anonymity is necessary for safety or to encourage whistleblowers.
•When anonymous sources are used, we apply rigorous standards to verify the information provided and explain to readers why anonymity was granted.
4. Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable to our readers and the community we serve.
•We encourage readers to provide feedback and will promptly address their concerns or questions about our coverage.
•Our journalists and editors are responsible for upholding these standards and are prepared to defend our work when challenged.
Conflicts of Interest
1. Personal and Professional Conflicts
Journalists and staff at Derby Now must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could affect their reporting or editorial decisions.
•Staff must avoid reporting on topics where they have a personal connection, financial interest, or relationship that could bias their coverage.
•We will disclose any relevant conflicts of interest to readers if they arise in the course of our reporting.
2. Gifts and Freebies
Derby Now staff do not accept gifts, discounts, free travel, or hospitality from organizations or individuals they cover. This helps ensure our reporting remains impartial and independent.
3. Sponsorship and Advertising
Our editorial content is independent of any influence from advertisers or sponsors. Sponsored content or advertisements will always be clearly labelled as such. We maintain a strict separation between editorial and commercial operations to ensure our journalism is not compromised.
Respect for Privacy and Sensitivity
1. Privacy
We respect the privacy of individuals and will avoid intruding into private lives unless there is a clear public interest.
•We avoid sensationalizing or exploiting personal suffering or grief. If reporting on sensitive issues, we will strive to do so with empathy and respect.
•We only publish private information about individuals when it is essential to the story and there is a public interest in doing so.
2. Sensitive Topics
When covering sensitive topics such as crime, tragedies, or issues involving vulnerable individuals, we take extra care to ensure our reporting is compassionate and balanced.
•We avoid identifying victims of crimes, particularly sexual assault unless they have given explicit permission.
•We seek to protect vulnerable groups, including children and those with mental health challenges, by handling their stories with care.
Plagiarism and Attribution
1. Originality
Derby Now is committed to producing original journalism. We do not tolerate plagiarism or the unauthorized use of others’ work.
•If we use content from other sources, we provide proper attribution and clearly distinguish it from our original reporting.
•Quotes, images, and any third-party materials will be credited appropriately, ensuring that we give due recognition to other creators.
2. Sourcing and Verification
We are dedicated to obtaining information from reliable and verifiable sources. Where possible, we cross-check information to ensure its accuracy.
•We attribute information from other news organizations, research, or public records, making clear where we got the information and, if necessary, providing links to sources.
Fairness and Inclusivity
1. Respect for Diversity
Derby Now is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in its reporting. We strive to reflect the diverse voices and perspectives of Derby’s community, including but not limited to those based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and socioeconomic background.
•We aim to avoid stereotypes and ensure that marginalized or underrepresented communities are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity in our coverage.
2. Right of Reply
Individuals and organizations that are the subject of criticism in our reporting will be given a fair opportunity to respond. We aim to include relevant responses in the initial publication or follow-up coverage.
Reporting on Crime and Legal Matters
1. Presumption of Innocence
We respect the legal principle that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Our reporting on arrests, trials, or legal matters will reflect this presumption and will avoid prejudicing ongoing legal proceedings.
•We avoid using inflammatory or prejudicial language when reporting on criminal cases, ensuring our coverage is factual and fair.
2. Fair Trial and Due Process
We are careful to avoid publishing material that could interfere with an individual’s right to a fair trial, including any content that may be considered prejudicial or that could violate legal restrictions such as contempt of court orders.
Editorial Independence
1. Separation of News and Opinion
Derby Now maintains a clear distinction between news reporting and editorial opinion. Our news coverage is based on facts, evidence, and balanced reporting, while our opinion pieces will be marked and reflect the views of the author or editorial board.
•Opinion content is separate from news content, and we welcome a diversity of opinions, encouraging civil discourse on important issues.
At Derby Now, we believe that trust, transparency, and accountability are the foundations of ethical journalism. By adhering to these principles, we aim to maintain the highest standards in our reporting and to serve the people of Derby with news they can trust. All Derby Now staff are expected to understand and follow this Ethics Policy, ensuring that our journalistic integrity is upheld at all times.
For questions or concerns regarding this policy, or if you believe we have fallen short of our standards, please contact us at desk@derbynow.uk.