11. Responsibility for Content Provided by the General Public
11.1. User Generated Content/Eyewitness News
A Media Outlet shall ensure that the same principles of checking for accuracy, legal, and ethical compliance are applied to journalistic content sourced from the general public (UGC or Eyewitness News content) as with all content it publishes.
Does your Media Outlet publish any content that comes not from staff or freelancers but from external sources such as readers/viewers?
YesDoes your Media Outlet have set structures to ensure the checking of externally sourced material undergoes the same principles as that created entirely by its own journalists?
Yes11.2. Editorial Guidelines for UGC/Eyewitness News
There should be specific categories within the Media Outlet’s Editorial Guidelines for dealing with User Generated Content (UGC) or Eyewitness News and these should be publicly accessible. In relation to this type of content the guidelines shall indicate the verification process to be used, how the content should be published with any labelling required and include guidance on dealing with the content providers in a responsible manner.
Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provisions for externally-submitted material?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Provisions for Externally Submitted Material:
Review and Verification: All externally submitted material, including articles, photographs, videos, and other content, undergoes a thorough review and verification process by the editorial team. This ensures that the material meets the same standards of accuracy, reliability, and ethical conduct as internally produced content.
Compliance with Ethical Standards: Contributors are required to comply with Dokuz Eylul’s Editorial Guidelines, which include standards for accuracy, impartiality, respect for privacy, and avoidance of conflicts of interest. External contributors are informed of these requirements before their work is considered for publication.
Clear Attribution and Disclosure: Externally submitted content must be clearly attributed to its creator, with proper credit given to authors, photographers, or other contributors. Additionally, any potential conflicts of interest, sponsorships, or affiliations related to the submitted material must be disclosed.
Prohibition of Plagiarism and Misrepresentation: The guidelines strictly prohibit plagiarism, misrepresentation, or the submission of content that has been manipulated or altered to mislead. All external submissions are checked for originality and authenticity.
Editorial Oversight and Approval: Externally submitted material is subject to the same editorial oversight and approval processes as internally generated content. Editors review the material to ensure it aligns with the media outlet’s standards and values.
Rejection of Inappropriate Content: Dokuz Eylul reserves the right to reject any externally submitted material that does not meet its ethical guidelines or is deemed inappropriate for publication. This includes content that is defamatory, offensive, or fails to adhere to journalistic integrity.
Corrections and Accountability: If errors or ethical breaches are identified in externally submitted content, the guidelines mandate prompt corrections and accountability measures, including reaching out to the contributor and providing clarifications to the audience.
These provisions ensure that all externally submitted material published by Dokuz Eylul maintains the outlet’s commitment to high standards of ethical journalism and responsible reporting.
Are there Editorial Guidelines dealing with UGC/eyewitness news content?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Guidelines for UGC and Eyewitness News Content:
Verification of Authenticity: All UGC and eyewitness content must be thoroughly verified before publication. This includes confirming the source, checking metadata, cross-referencing with other reliable sources, and using verification tools to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the content.
Consent and Permissions: The guidelines require obtaining explicit consent from the creators of UGC before using their content. This includes permission for publication and ensuring that the content is not misused or taken out of context. When dealing with sensitive content, additional consent may be required to protect individuals involved.
Respect for Privacy and Sensitivity: UGC often involves sensitive situations such as accidents, natural disasters, or incidents involving vulnerable individuals. The guidelines emphasize the need to handle such content with care, respecting the privacy and dignity of those depicted, and avoiding sensationalism.
Clear Attribution: When using UGC, Dokuz Eylul ensures that proper credit is given to the original creator, unless the contributor requests anonymity. Attribution is important for transparency and acknowledges the role of the public in sharing newsworthy material.
Editorial Oversight and Contextualization: Editors review all UGC and eyewitness content to ensure it aligns with the editorial standards of Dokuz Eylul. The content must be properly contextualized, with clear explanations of its source, any verification steps taken, and disclaimers if full verification is not possible.
Avoiding Harm and Ethical Considerations: The guidelines prioritize minimizing harm, especially when UGC depicts violence, distressing events, or personal tragedies. Editors are tasked with deciding whether the public interest in publishing outweighs potential harm to individuals shown in the content.
Corrective Measures: If UGC or eyewitness content is later found to be inaccurate or misleading, the guidelines require prompt corrective action, including removing the content, issuing corrections, and informing the audience of the error.
These guidelines ensure that Dokuz Eylul handles UGC and eyewitness content responsibly, maintaining the trust and ethical standards that are central to its journalism.
Do they include details on the verification processes to be used for this content?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Verification Processes for UGC and Eyewitness News Content:
Source Verification: The guidelines require that the identity of the content creator be verified whenever possible. This involves checking the social media profiles, contact information, and online presence of the individual to confirm their authenticity and credibility as a source.
Cross-Referencing with Reliable Sources: UGC and eyewitness content must be cross-referenced with reliable sources, including news agencies, official statements, and trusted media outlets. This helps confirm the validity of the information and provides additional context to the content.
Metadata Analysis: Editors and journalists are instructed to analyze metadata (such as timestamps, location data, and device information) of photos, videos, or audio files to verify when and where the content was created. This helps detect inconsistencies or potential manipulations.
Use of Verification Tools: The guidelines encourage the use of digital verification tools such as reverse image search, video analysis platforms, and geolocation software. These tools help confirm the origin and authenticity of the content and identify any alterations or misrepresentations.
Direct Communication with Content Creators: Whenever feasible, direct communication with the creator of the UGC is essential. This step involves asking specific questions about the content’s context, background, and any circumstances surrounding its creation to gain a fuller understanding of the material.
Collaboration with Verification Networks: For complex or sensitive UGC, the guidelines suggest collaboration with independent verification networks or fact-checking organizations. This external assistance can provide additional layers of scrutiny, especially in high-stakes situations.
Editorial Judgment and Contextual Review: Even after technical verification steps, content must be reviewed by editors who assess its relevance, potential biases, and the ethical implications of publishing. This editorial judgment ensures that the content aligns with Dokuz Eylul’s standards and values.
These verification processes ensure that UGC and eyewitness content are rigorously checked for authenticity and accuracy, protecting the integrity of Dokuz Eylul’s journalism and maintaining audience trust.
Do they include guidance on the appropriate labelling of such content?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Guidance on the Appropriate Labeling of UGC and Eyewitness Content:
Clear Attribution and Source Identification: The guidelines require that all UGC and eyewitness content be clearly labeled with attribution to the original creator or source, unless anonymity has been specifically requested and justified. Labels such as ‘Courtesy of [Source Name]’ or ‘Provided by [Social Media Platform]’ are used to identify where the content originated.
Explicit UGC Labels: When content is not created by the media outlet’s journalists, it is labeled explicitly as ‘User-Generated Content,’ ‘Eyewitness Footage,’ or ‘Social Media Content.’ This ensures that the audience can distinguish between professionally produced content and material provided by external individuals.
Contextual Information: The guidelines recommend including additional context alongside UGC labels, such as details on when and where the content was captured, the verification steps taken, and any limitations in confirming the full authenticity of the material. This helps audiences assess the reliability of the content.
Disclaimers for Unverified Content: If any aspect of the content remains unverified or if there are limitations in confirming its full accuracy, the guidelines mandate the use of disclaimers. Statements such as ‘This footage has not been independently verified’ or ‘Content has been verified to the best of our ability’ provide transparency about the verification status.
Avoiding Misleading Presentation: The guidelines strictly prohibit presenting UGC as if it were created by the media outlet’s staff. Editors are instructed to ensure that labels are prominently displayed and not buried within the content, avoiding any potential confusion about the origins.
Warnings for Graphic or Sensitive Content: For UGC that involves graphic, violent, or sensitive material, the guidelines require warning labels to inform viewers about the nature of the content. This helps prepare the audience and allows them to make informed decisions about whether to engage with the material.
Editorial Oversight on Labeling: Editors review all UGC and eyewitness content to ensure that labeling is accurate, clear, and consistent with the guidelines. This oversight helps maintain the outlet’s commitment to transparency and ethical reporting.
These labeling practices ensure that Dokuz Eylul presents UGC and eyewitness content responsibly, maintaining clarity and integrity in its reporting.
Do they include guidance on dealing with the providers of such content in a responsible and ethical manner?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Guidance on Ethical Interaction with UGC Providers:
Respect for Privacy and Consent: The guidelines emphasize the importance of obtaining informed consent from content providers before using their material. Journalists are required to clearly explain how the content will be used, including the context of its publication, to ensure that contributors are fully aware of the implications.
Proper Attribution and Recognition: Providers of UGC must be properly credited for their contributions unless they request anonymity for safety or personal reasons. Attribution shows respect for the creator’s work and helps maintain transparency about the content’s origin.
Avoiding Exploitation: Dokuz Eylul is committed to avoiding the exploitation of content providers, especially in sensitive situations such as emergencies, accidents, or traumatic events. The guidelines prohibit putting undue pressure on individuals to share their content, particularly when they may be vulnerable or distressed.
Fair Compensation: When appropriate, Dokuz Eylul offers fair compensation for UGC, particularly when the content is used extensively or plays a significant role in reporting. This ensures that contributors are recognized not only with credit but also with appropriate financial acknowledgment.
Honest and Clear Communication: The guidelines stress the need for honest and clear communication with UGC providers. This includes discussing any editorial changes that may be made to the content, clarifying how the material will be framed, and being upfront about any limitations in verifying the content’s accuracy.
Protection of Vulnerable Providers: Special care is taken when dealing with UGC from vulnerable individuals, such as children or those involved in traumatic events. The guidelines mandate additional protective measures to ensure these individuals are not further harmed by their interaction with the media outlet.
Handling Requests for Anonymity: If a provider requests anonymity due to safety, privacy, or other concerns, Dokuz Eylul respects this request and ensures that no identifying information is revealed. The editorial team takes steps to protect the identity of the contributor while still informing the audience about the content’s source.
Support for Contributors: In cases where contributors may face backlash or threats due to their content, the guidelines encourage offering support, including connecting them with appropriate resources or advising them on how to protect their personal information.
These guidelines ensure that Dokuz Eylul interacts with UGC providers ethically and responsibly, maintaining the media outlet’s commitment to respectful and fair journalism.
11.3. Opinion Guidelines
In relation to opinion or comment pieces the guidelines should set clear requirements of the ethical principles expected which may include but is not limited to prohibition of comment due to defamation, privacy, hate speech and harassment. The Media Outlet should make clear its policy on the moderation of such content, whether it is pre or post publication, and its policy on take-down, notice and appeal provisions.
Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from defamation?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Provisions for Ensuring Comment Material is Free from Defamation:
Pre-Publication Review: All comment material, including reader comments, opinion pieces, and guest contributions, is subject to editorial review before publication. This review process helps identify potentially defamatory statements and ensures that content meets legal and ethical standards.
Moderation of Reader Comments: The guidelines require that all reader comments on Dokuz Eylul’s website and social media platforms be moderated. Moderators are trained to identify and remove comments that contain defamatory language, personal attacks, or unfounded accusations.
Clear Editorial Responsibility: Opinion pieces and guest columns are reviewed by the editorial team to ensure they do not contain defamatory content. Editors work closely with contributors to address any potentially harmful statements and provide guidance on how to express opinions responsibly.
Guidance for Contributors: The guidelines provide clear instructions to contributors on avoiding defamation. This includes emphasizing the need for factual accuracy, proper attribution, and careful language when making statements about individuals or entities.
Right of Reply and Corrections: If a defamatory statement is published inadvertently, the guidelines mandate a prompt correction or retraction, and, if necessary, an apology. The right of reply is also provided to those affected, allowing them to address inaccuracies or harmful statements.
Legal Review and Consultation: For particularly sensitive or potentially defamatory content, Dokuz Eylul consults with legal advisors to assess the risk of defamation and make necessary adjustments before publication.
Commitment to Responsible Speech: The guidelines promote responsible and respectful commentary, discouraging personal attacks and inflammatory language. This commitment helps foster a healthy environment for public discourse while protecting individuals from defamation.
These provisions ensure that Dokuz Eylul handles comment material with the utmost care, minimizing the risk of defamation and maintaining a respectful and legally compliant platform.
Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from invasions of privacy?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Provisions for Ensuring Comment Material is Free from Invasions of Privacy:
Pre-Publication Review: All comment material undergoes a thorough review by the editorial team before publication. This review process is designed to identify and remove content that contains private or sensitive information about individuals, ensuring that the material respects privacy rights.
Moderation of Reader Comments: Reader comments on Dokuz Eylul’s website and social media platforms are actively moderated. Moderators are trained to identify comments that contain personal details, such as addresses, phone numbers, or other sensitive information that could lead to privacy breaches.
Guidance for Contributors: Contributors, including guest writers and opinion piece authors, are provided with clear guidance on respecting privacy. The guidelines emphasize the importance of avoiding unnecessary references to private lives, personal histories, or other details that are not directly relevant to the public interest.
Editorial Oversight and Approval: Editors carefully review opinion pieces and guest contributions to ensure they do not include private information without appropriate consent. This oversight helps prevent the publication of material that could unjustifiably invade an individual’s privacy.
Respect for Consent and Confidentiality: The guidelines mandate that any sensitive information, especially involving vulnerable individuals, requires explicit consent from the person involved. Confidentiality is prioritized, and sensitive personal information is removed unless there is a clear and justified public interest.
Right to Privacy and Public Interest Balance: Editors are trained to balance the right to privacy with the public’s right to know. The guidelines instruct that only information necessary for understanding a public issue should be included, and personal details that do not contribute meaningfully to the discussion should be excluded.
Prompt Corrections and Removals: If a privacy breach is identified after publication, the guidelines require immediate action to correct or remove the content. An apology or clarification may also be issued to address the breach and reassure the affected individual.
These provisions ensure that Dokuz Eylul upholds privacy standards in its comment sections, protecting individuals while fostering respectful and responsible public engagement.
Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from hate speech?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Provisions for Ensuring Comment Material is Free from Hate Speech:
Moderation of Reader Comments: All reader comments on Dokuz Eylul’s website and social media platforms are actively moderated. Moderators are trained to identify and remove comments that contain hate speech, discriminatory language, or any form of incitement to violence against individuals or groups based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic.
Clear Definition of Hate Speech: The guidelines provide a clear definition of hate speech, outlining the types of language and behavior that are unacceptable. This includes any statements that promote hatred, discrimination, or hostility against specific individuals or groups.
Pre-Publication Review of Opinion Content: Opinion pieces, guest contributions, and other externally submitted content undergo a thorough editorial review to ensure they do not contain hate speech. Editors work with contributors to address any problematic language and guide them on how to express their viewpoints in a respectful manner.
Zero Tolerance Policy: Dokuz Eylul maintains a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech in all its publications. Any content identified as containing hate speech is promptly removed, and repeat offenders may be banned from commenting on the platform.
Guidance for Responsible Speech: Contributors and commenters are encouraged to engage in respectful dialogue, even when discussing controversial topics. The guidelines promote constructive criticism and debate without resorting to hate or harmful rhetoric.
Education and Training: Editors and moderators receive regular training on identifying hate speech and managing sensitive content. This training helps ensure that the team is equipped to uphold the media outlet’s standards and address hate speech effectively.
Community Guidelines and Reporting Mechanisms: Dokuz Eylul clearly communicates its community guidelines, which include prohibitions against hate speech, to all users. Reporting mechanisms are also available, allowing readers to flag inappropriate content that may have been missed during moderation.
These provisions ensure that Dokuz Eylul’s platforms remain free from hate speech, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all readers and contributors.
Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from harassment?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Provisions for Ensuring Comment Material is Free from Harassment:
Moderation of Reader Comments: All reader comments on Dokuz Eylul’s website and social media platforms are actively moderated. Moderators are trained to identify and remove comments that contain harassment, bullying, threats, or abusive language directed at individuals or groups.
Clear Definition of Harassment: The guidelines provide a clear definition of harassment, including behaviors such as personal attacks, targeted insults, stalking, doxxing (revealing personal information), and any comments intended to intimidate, demean, or harm others.
Pre-Publication Review of Opinion Content: Opinion pieces, guest contributions, and other externally submitted content undergo a rigorous editorial review to ensure they do not include harassing language or behavior. Editors work closely with contributors to revise any content that could be seen as harassing.
Zero Tolerance Policy for Harassment: Dokuz Eylul enforces a zero-tolerance policy for harassment on its platforms. Any comment or content identified as harassing is immediately removed, and users engaging in such behavior may be banned or restricted from further participation.
Guidance on Constructive Engagement: The guidelines encourage all contributors to engage constructively, focusing on issues rather than personal attacks. This approach promotes healthy debate while discouraging any form of harassment.
Reporting and Response Mechanisms: Readers can report harassment through clearly available mechanisms on Dokuz Eylul’s platforms. Reported content is reviewed promptly, and appropriate action is taken, including content removal and, when necessary, additional measures to protect the targeted individual.
Training for Moderators and Editors: Moderators and editorial staff receive training on recognizing harassment, understanding its impact, and handling it effectively. This training helps ensure that Dokuz Eylul’s platforms remain safe and respectful spaces for dialogue.
These provisions ensure that Dokuz Eylul takes a proactive approach to preventing harassment, creating a safer and more respectful environment for all users.