ECNN is a network of distinct publications and channels. These standards describe the common principles ECNN expects its editorial brands to apply, while allowing local teams to adopt additional rules appropriate to their market, format and law.
1. Accuracy
Material facts should be checked before publication using reliable evidence and, where practical, more than one source. Headlines, thumbnails, captions and social posts should not materially misrepresent the underlying content.
2. Sources and verification
Sources should be assessed for proximity to the event, expertise, motive, consistency and supporting evidence. Anonymous sources may be used when the information is important, the source faces a credible risk or cannot reasonably be named, and an editor understands the source’s identity and basis of knowledge.
3. Fairness and right of reply
People and organisations facing significant criticism or allegations should ordinarily receive a fair opportunity to respond before publication when time and circumstances permit. Their response should be represented accurately and in proportion to the issue.
4. Independence and conflicts
Editorial decisions should not be purchased by advertisers, sponsors, political actors or commercial partners. Relevant financial, personal or organisational conflicts should be disclosed to editors and, where necessary, to audiences.
5. Labelling
News, analysis, opinion, satire, advertising, sponsored content and user-generated material should be distinguishable. Native advertising or partner content should not be designed to deceive audiences about its commercial nature.
6. Privacy, dignity and harm
Editorial value should be weighed against unnecessary intrusion, humiliation or risk. Extra care is required when reporting on children, victims, medical information, grief, sexual violence, vulnerable people and private individuals who have not sought public attention.
7. Images, audio and synthetic media
Editing must not materially falsify events. Illustrations, reconstructions, composites and substantially generated or altered media should be labelled when an ordinary audience might otherwise mistake them for documentary evidence. Verification is especially important for viral and user-generated material.
8. Crime and allegations
Allegations should be attributed and presented with appropriate legal context. Suspects should not be described as guilty before a lawful determination. Reporting should avoid prejudicing proceedings or exposing victims and witnesses to unnecessary risk.
9. Data and statistics
Statistics should be accompanied by meaningful context, including source, date, sample, methodology or limitations where relevant. Correlation should not be presented as proof of causation.
10. Corrections
Material errors should be corrected promptly and transparently. The form of correction should reflect the seriousness, reach and platform of the original error. See the Corrections Policy.
11. Artificial intelligence
AI tools may assist research, transcription, translation, drafting, production or analysis, but human editorial responsibility remains essential. Sensitive facts, quotations, allegations and generated media should be verified before publication. Confidential material should not be entered into systems without appropriate safeguards.
12. Accountability
Concerns about an ECNN item should first be directed to the responsible brand. Where that is not possible, contact info@goecnn.com.