9. Accountability for Journalism Principles

https://www.telugupost.com/Mission

Our Mission is to deliver impartial and accurate news in response to prevailing biases within mainstream outlets. We uphold traditional journalistic values in reporting and commenting on subjects of public interest. Our dedicated efforts center on providing unbiased, accurate, and in depth news, with a particular emphasis on combating Misinformation/Disinformation through our Fact-Checking unit

As a digital media platform, we are deeply committed to in-depth analysis of contemporary issues, report and comment on news of public interest. We firmly believe in old-fashioned journalism in reporting, analyzing, and commenting on the issues of Public Interest. Firmly committed to reporting unbiased news as it happens and we show utmost respect to democratic values, privacy, and dignity of citizens while reporting. We consistently thrive to build this platform as a top choice for source of the information to provide issues of public interest, happenings in diaspora ( US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Middle-East, etc ), Sports, Health, Education, Life Style, etc… We always try to bring the news with greater speed and accuracy. Our editorial team opinions are widely acclaimed by the readers.

As a part of the company’s policy, the employees of Truth Serum Media Private Limited are made to sign an undertaking which clearly states that the employees are not directly or indirectly involved in any political activity. Our Fact Checks do not contain opinions of any sort, but simply state facts. We also ensure that anyone being recruited into the fact-checking team does not have any affiliation with political parties and advocacy organizations. On a case-to-case basis, people’s support for causes is reviewed so that it is in conformity with our policies. The employees are mandated to abide by the company’s code of conduct and policies. They need to avoid public demonstration of any political views and on any social media or public platforms. They should not engage in any online or offline campaign or be the members of any organisation/ network.
The employees are prohibited from contesting or accepting any appointment or association of whatsoever nature with any public office. A supervisor must be informed when a spouse or other members of an employee's household have any ongoing involvement in political causes, either professionally or personally.
Name: Srinivasa Ravi Batchali
Position: Editor & Director
Name: Satya Priya BN
Position: Factcheck Editor

The guidelines referred to in the section on Editorial Guidelines indeed set clear expectations for the behavior of all contributors, including not only editorial staff such as journalists and editors but also all other individuals involved in the creation and dissemination of editorial content. This encompasses freelancers, contractors, guest contributors, and any other parties contributing to our media outlet's editorial output. The expectations outlined in the guidelines are comprehensive and apply universally to maintain consistency and integrity across all editorial contributions.

The guidelines referred to in the section on Editorial Guidelines do make clear the structure of editorial responsibility for each stage of the publication process within our organization. They outline a structured framework that delineates the roles and responsibilities of individuals or teams involved in various stages of the editorial process, from conception to publication. This clarity ensures that there is accountability at every step, contributing to the maintenance of quality, accuracy, and ethical standards in our editorial output

We have editorial guidelines for accuracy so as to create high-quality content. Due to the accurate reporting, we have a reputation as a trustworthy resource for an audience.
We ensure that
Direct quotations are not changed or used in any other way that alters the meaning.
Anonymous quotations are not used in fact checks and are avoided 99% in the news articles.
Every source is independently verified
Web-sourced material is scrutinized carefully

https://www.telugupost.com/fact-check-methodology

Editorial independence is ensured as the fact check articles that are written and published are completely editorial decision and the management does not interfere in these decisions. We make sure that there are no commercial or political interest interferences while taking the editorial decisions. So that we provide accurate and unbiased information to the audience.

our Editorial Guidelines include explicit requirements for fairness in the practice of journalism. Fairness is a core ethical principle that underpins our editorial decision-making process. Our guidelines emphasize the importance of presenting diverse perspectives, providing balanced coverage, and treating subjects with impartiality and respect. We strive to ensure fairness in our reporting by giving voice to all relevant viewpoints, avoiding prejudice or discrimination, and providing context to help audiences understand complex issues fairly. Fairness is integral to maintaining the credibility and trustworthiness of our journalism.

our Editorial Guidelines include requirements for accountability in the practice of journalism. Accountability is a fundamental principle that guides our editorial decisions and operations. Our guidelines emphasize transparency in our reporting processes, including clearly attributing sources, acknowledging and correcting errors promptly, and providing avenues for audience feedback and engagement. We hold ourselves accountable for the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of our journalism, and we are committed to upholding the trust of our audience through accountable practices.

our Editorial Guidelines comprehensively incorporate measures to mitigate real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest, ensuring the integrity of our journalistic endeavors. These guidelines are meticulously crafted to safeguard against any influence that could compromise the independence of our editorial process or the credibility of our stories. They encompass a range of scenarios, including those related to political affiliations, business involvements, and personal interests. Our aim is to uphold the highest standards of journalism by providing clear guidance on how to identify, address, and disclose any conflicts that may arise during the course of our reporting. Moreover, our editorial structures are designed to shield our journalism from undue influence by executive management or ownership authorities outside the formal editorial process. We remain steadfast in our commitment to journalistic ethics, ensuring that our storytelling remains untainted by external interests, be they commercial, social, or political in nature.

Our Editorial Guidelines prioritize the integrity and independence of our reporting by addressing conflicts of interest related to business. These guidelines include stringent disclosure requirements, ensuring that journalists and editorial staff transparently disclose any financial interests or affiliations with businesses that could potentially influence their reporting. Additionally, our protocols outline procedures for recusal in cases where individuals have significant financial ties to businesses being covered, minimizing the risk of bias. We emphasize adherence to ethical standards in business reporting, prioritizing accuracy, fairness, and independence to uphold the public interest. Editorial oversight plays a crucial role, with editors and senior staff responsible for ensuring that business coverage aligns with journalistic principles and is not unduly influenced by external pressures. Through ongoing training and education, we empower our team members to navigate complex ethical issues effectively, further reinforcing our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity and credibility in our reporting.

our Editorial Guidelines do include guidance on how to address conflicts related to political interests. We recognize the importance of maintaining impartiality and integrity in political reporting, especially considering the potential impact on public perception and democratic processes. Here are some key aspects of how we handle conflicts related to political interests:
1. Impartiality and Fairness: Our guidelines emphasize the principles of impartiality and fairness in political reporting. Journalists are expected to present information accurately and objectively, without allowing personal biases or affiliations to influence their coverage.
2. Transparency and Disclosure: We require journalists and editorial staff to disclose any personal or financial interests that may pose a conflict of interest in political reporting. This transparency helps to maintain trust with our audience and ensures accountability.
3. Balance and Diversity of Perspectives: Our editorial process prioritizes the inclusion of diverse perspectives and viewpoints in political coverage to provide a balanced and comprehensive understanding of issues. We strive to present a range of opinions while avoiding undue favoritism or bias towards any particular political ideology or party.
4. Editorial Independence: Editorial structures are designed to protect journalism from any undue influence by executive management, ownership authorities, or external political interests. Editors and senior editorial staff are responsible for upholding the independence of our reporting and ensuring that political coverage is driven by journalistic principles rather than partisan agendas.
5. Ethical Standards: We adhere to ethical standards and guidelines established by professional journalism organizations, such as accuracy, fairness, and integrity, in our political reporting. Our journalists are expected to uphold these standards in their work to maintain the credibility and trustworthiness of our coverage.

our Editorial Guidelines include clear directives on how to address conflicts stemming from personal interests. These guidelines prioritize transparency and integrity in reporting by mandating that journalists and editorial staff disclose any personal affiliations, relationships, or financial interests that could potentially influence their work. If such conflicts arise, individuals may be required to recuse themselves from covering certain topics or participating in editorial decisions to maintain impartiality. Moreover, our guidelines underscore the importance of adhering to ethical standards, ensuring that journalists prioritize the public interest over personal concerns.
Editorial oversight mechanisms are in place to prevent undue influence, with editors tasked with safeguarding the integrity of our journalism. Continuous training and education are provided to equip our team members with the skills to identify and manage conflicts related to personal interests effectively. Through these measures, we uphold the credibility and trustworthiness of our reporting, ensuring that personal interests do not compromise the quality or impartiality of our work.

The structure of our media outlet is designed to protect editorial processes from undue influence, both from within and outside the organization. We have established clear lines of editorial independence to ensure that journalistic integrity remains paramount. Our editorial team operates autonomously, free from interference or pressure from executive management, ownership authorities, or external interests. Editors and senior editorial staff are empowered to make editorial decisions based on journalistic principles, such as accuracy, fairness, and impartiality, without any external interference. Additionally, we have implemented robust safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain the integrity of our reporting. These measures include transparency in our editorial processes, clear guidelines for handling conflicts of interest, and mechanisms for accountability and oversight. By upholding these principles and structures, we ensure that our journalism remains credible, trustworthy, and independent.