Editorial Policy & Code of Ethics

Our Editorial Commitment

Spandana News is committed to delivering accurate, fair, and independent news to its audience. We believe in serving the public interest, upholding freedom of the press, and maintaining reader trust through honest and responsible journalism.

As a publisher of news and current affairs content, we follow applicable Indian laws and standards, including the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India, and other relevant media standards.

Scope and Application

This policy applies to editorial content published on the Spandana News platform, including news reports, articles, opinion pieces, video, audio, social media posts, and other public-facing content.

It applies to journalists, editors, contributors, freelancers, and production teams involved in creating or publishing content for Spandana News.

Accuracy and Fairness

We strive to ensure that our reporting is accurate, balanced, and fair. Facts are verified before publication, multiple sides of a story are represented where relevant, and news, analysis, and opinion are clearly distinguished.

We do not knowingly publish false or misleading information.

Sourcing and Verification

We seek to corroborate information through reliable and, where possible, multiple sources before publication.

We honour legitimate commitments of confidentiality to sources. Where content is based on a single source or unverified information, we make that clear to readers wherever appropriate.

Independence and Impartiality

Editorial decisions are made independently and free from improper influence by advertisers, commercial partners, political interests, or other external parties.

We are committed to reporting without fear or favour.

Corrections and Clarifications

We take responsibility for mistakes. When we become aware of a significant factual error, we correct it promptly and transparently with an appropriate correction, update, or clarification.

Readers may report suspected errors using the grievance contact details listed on this page.

Right of Reply

Where reporting makes allegations or criticisms against an individual or organisation, we make reasonable efforts to seek their response and represent their position fairly.

We provide a fair opportunity to reply where warranted by the nature of the story.

Attribution and Plagiarism

We give proper credit to original sources of information, quotes, images, video, audio, and other material.

We do not plagiarise, and we respect intellectual property rights, including copyright and fair-dealing principles.

Reporting on Sensitive Matters

We exercise special care and sensitivity when reporting on matters involving:

• Children and minors, especially victims of abuse or crime.
• Victims of crime, tragedy, accidents, or personal loss.
• Communal, religious, caste, linguistic, and regional sensitivities.
• Sub judice and legal matters, including the presumption of innocence.
• National security, public order, and emergency situations.

Conflicts of Interest

Journalists and editors avoid situations where personal, financial, political, or other interests could compromise, or appear to compromise, objectivity.

Any relevant potential conflict of interest is disclosed or managed appropriately.

Advertising and Sponsored Content

We maintain a clear separation between editorial content and advertising.

Sponsored content, advertorials, paid partnerships, and commercial promotions are labelled so readers can distinguish them from independent editorial content.

User Comments and Community Standards

We welcome reader engagement, but comments and contributions must be respectful, lawful, and relevant.

We may moderate, edit, or remove user comments that are defamatory, obscene, hateful, threatening, unlawful, or otherwise in breach of our Terms of Use.

Compliance With Law

We observe the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, 2021, including adherence to the Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, where applicable.

We also comply with other applicable Indian laws governing publication, digital media, privacy, intellectual property, and public order.

Grievance Redressal

Complaints about published content may be sent to the Spandana News grievance contact. We aim to acknowledge grievances within 24 hours and dispose of them within 15 days of receipt, in line with applicable requirements.

Grievance Officer: Spandana News Grievance Officer

Email: info@spandananews.com

Address: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

If a complainant is not satisfied with the response, escalation may be available through the relevant self-regulating body and oversight mechanism prescribed under applicable law.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Editorial Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or editorial standards.

The updated policy will be posted with a revised last updated date.