Editorial Policy & Standards

Our Mission

Pahari Patrika is committed to serving the public interest through responsible, ethical journalism. Our mission is to provide accurate, fair, and comprehensive news coverage that informs, educates, and empowers our readers to make informed decisions.

We believe in the fundamental role of a free press in a democratic society and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism ethics and professionalism.

Journalism Standards

All content published on Pahari Patrika adheres to the following core standards:

Accuracy & Verification

Fact-Checking Process

Before publication, all articles undergo rigorous fact-checking:

• Multiple Source Verification: Claims and facts are verified through at least two independent sources when possible
• Primary Source Review: We prioritize primary sources and official documents over secondary sources
• Expert Consultation: For complex topics, we consult subject matter experts
• Cross-Verification: Information is cross-checked against multiple reliable sources
• Editor Review: All articles are reviewed by editors before publication
• Fact-Check Team: Our dedicated fact-checking team verifies claims in articles

Breaking News Standards

For breaking news, we balance speed with accuracy. We clearly label developing stories and update them as new verified information becomes available. We do not sacrifice accuracy for speed.

Corrections Policy

We are committed to correcting errors promptly and transparently. When we make a mistake, we:

Types of Corrections

• Factual Errors: Incorrect facts, figures, dates, or names
• Clarifications: Information that was unclear or could be misinterpreted
• Updates: New information that provides important context to the original story

How to Report an Error

If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at: corrections@paharipatrika.in

Please include:

• Article URL
• Specific error description
• Correct information with sources (if available)

Sources & Attribution

Source Standards

We maintain high standards for sources:

• Attribution: We clearly attribute all information to sources
• Named Sources: We prefer named, on-the-record sources
• Official Sources: We prioritize official documents and statements
• Expert Sources: We identify experts by credentials and affiliations
• Diverse Sources: We seek diverse perspectives and voices

Anonymous/Unnamed Sources Policy

We use anonymous sources only when:

• The information is newsworthy and in the public interest
• The information cannot be obtained through other means
• The source has legitimate reasons for anonymity (safety, employment risk, etc.)
• Senior editors approve the use of anonymous sources
• We have verified the source's credibility and information

When using anonymous sources, we clearly explain why anonymity was granted and provide as much context as possible about the source's position and knowledge.

Attribution Requirements

All quotes, facts, and claims must be attributed to their sources. We do not present others' work or ideas as our own (plagiarism is strictly prohibited).

Editorial Independence

Our editorial decisions are independent of:

• Commercial Interests: Advertisers have no influence over editorial content
• Political Interests: We maintain independence from political parties and pressure
• Personal Interests: Journalists' personal views do not influence news reporting
• Financial Pressure: Business concerns do not compromise journalistic integrity

Separation of Editorial and Advertising

We maintain a clear separation between editorial content and advertising:

• Advertisers cannot dictate or influence editorial content
• Sponsored content is clearly labeled as such
• We do not accept payment for editorial coverage
• Editorial and advertising departments operate independently

Conflicts of Interest

Disclosure Requirements

Journalists and editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest:

• Financial interests in companies or topics covered
• Personal relationships with sources or subjects
• Political affiliations or activism that could affect objectivity
• Outside employment or consulting that could create conflicts

Managing Conflicts

When conflicts arise:

• Conflicts are disclosed to editors
• Conflicted journalists may be removed from stories
• Significant conflicts are disclosed to readers
• We maintain records of disclosed conflicts

Fairness & Balance

Right of Reply

We give subjects of critical or investigative coverage a fair opportunity to respond before publication. This includes:

• Presenting allegations or criticisms to the subject
• Providing reasonable time for response
• Including responses prominently in articles
• Publishing follow-up responses when appropriate

Balanced Coverage

For controversial issues, we:

• Present multiple perspectives fairly
• Avoid false equivalence between facts and misinformation
• Provide appropriate context
• Distinguish between facts and opinions

Opinion vs. News

We clearly distinguish between news reporting and opinion content:

• Opinion pieces are clearly labeled
• News articles present facts objectively
• Analysis pieces are identified as such
• Editorials represent institutional positions

Privacy & Sensitivity

Respect for Privacy

We balance the public's right to know with individuals' right to privacy:

• We identify individuals only when relevant to the story
• We protect the identity of crime victims, especially minors
• We respect private grief unless there is clear public interest
• We obtain consent for interviews and use of personal information

Sensitive Content

For sensitive topics (violence, tragedy, etc.):

• We exercise restraint in graphic descriptions or images
• We provide content warnings when appropriate
• We consider the impact on victims and families
• We respect cultural sensitivities

Minors and Vulnerable People

Special protections apply to minors and vulnerable individuals:

• We generally do not identify minors in crime or sensitive stories
• We require parental consent for interviews with minors
• We exercise extra care with vulnerable populations
• We prioritize the welfare of children and vulnerable individuals

Code of Ethics

Professional Conduct

All journalists and staff at Pahari Patrika are expected to:

• Act with integrity and honesty in all professional activities
• Maintain high standards of accuracy and fairness
• Respect the dignity and rights of all people
• Avoid conflicts of interest or disclose them appropriately
• Refuse bribes, gifts, or favors that could influence coverage
• Respect confidential sources and information
• Give credit to sources and avoid plagiarism
• Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting

Prohibited Practices

The following practices are strictly prohibited:

• Plagiarism: Presenting others' work as one's own
• Fabrication: Making up sources, quotes, or facts
• Deception: Using false identities or misrepresentation
• Manipulation: Altering images or quotes to change meaning
• Pay-for-Play: Accepting payment for coverage
• Conflicts: Covering topics where personal interests exist

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to diverse and inclusive coverage:

• Diverse Sources: We seek sources from various backgrounds and perspectives
• Inclusive Language: We use language that respects all communities
• Representative Coverage: Our coverage reflects the diversity of our audience
• Cultural Sensitivity: We report respectfully on different cultures and communities
• Gender Balance: We strive for gender balance in sources and coverage
• Accessibility: We make our content accessible to people with disabilities

Complaints & Feedback

How to Submit Feedback

We welcome feedback from our readers. You can:

• Email: editorial@paharipatrika.in (General feedback)
• Corrections: corrections@paharipatrika.in (Error reporting)
• Complaints: complaints@paharipatrika.in (Formal complaints)
• Contact Form: Visit our contact page

Complaint Process

For formal complaints:

1. Initial Review: We acknowledge complaints within 48 hours
2. Investigation: We investigate the complaint thoroughly
3. Response: We respond within 7-10 business days
4. Resolution: We take appropriate action (correction, clarification, or explanation)
5. Escalation: Unresolved complaints can be escalated to senior editorial leadership

External Review

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to:

• Press Council of India
• News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA)
• Other relevant regulatory bodies

Policy Updates

This editorial policy is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect best practices in journalism. Changes are noted with the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

Questions about this policy can be directed to: editorial@paharipatrika.in