Media Outlet Dokuz Eylül Medya Grubu Date of first publication 08/11/2024 Date of Latest Change 08/11/2024
9. Accountability for Journalism Principles
9.1. Editorial Guidelines
A Media Outlet shall produce a set of Editorial Guidelines or adhere to an external set of guidelines (for example the Model Editorial Guidelines provided as a reference document to this Standard), to which its journalistic operations comply. They should govern meaningful principles of journalistic content, dissemination and conduct. These guidelines, and the identity of the person or group of persons with ultimate responsibility for them within its organisation, shall be made available to the public in a readily accessible and understandable form. Best practice is to have these guidelines available publicly rather than on request.
Does your Media Outlet have a set of guidelines, or adhere to an external set of guidelines, for journalistic content, distribution and conduct to which its journalistic operations comply?
YesAre they made available to the public in a readily accessible form?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://www.dokuzeylul.com/iletisim
Is there a person or a group of persons responsible for these guidelines clearly identified?
YesIs that identification visible on the page with the guidelines?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
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9.2. Purpose of Guidelines
A Media Outlet shall ensure that these Editorial Guidelines set clear expectations of the behaviour it requires from its own staff, its contractors and from all other contributors to its editorial content. It should also set out the structure of responsibility within the organisation, making sure it is clear who is accountable for each stage of the process that leads to publication.
Do the guidelines referred to in the section on Editorial Guidelines set clear expectations for the behaviour for all the contributors, including editorial staff (journalists, editors) and all other contributors?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
The editorial guidelines of Dokuz Eylul set clear expectations for the behavior of all contributors, including editorial staff such as journalists and editors, as well as other contributors. These guidelines outline the professional conduct, ethical standards, and responsibilities required from everyone involved in the content creation process.
Key Behavioral Expectations:
Adherence to Ethical Standards: All contributors must adhere to the highest ethical standards of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and impartiality in reporting. The guidelines emphasize the importance of truthfulness and the duty to avoid misleading the public.
Integrity and Professionalism: Journalists, editors, and other contributors are expected to maintain integrity and professionalism in their work. This includes respecting privacy, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring that personal views do not interfere with their journalistic duties.
Respectful Conduct: The guidelines require all contributors to engage respectfully with sources, colleagues, and the public, promoting a positive and constructive work environment.
Accountability and Transparency: Contributors are expected to take responsibility for their work, promptly correct errors, and communicate transparently with the editorial team and the audience when necessary.
Compliance with Editorial Decisions: All contributors are required to comply with the editorial decisions and processes set by the editorial leadership, ensuring consistency and alignment with the outlet’s standards.
These clear guidelines help maintain the quality and integrity of Dokuz Eylul’s journalism by establishing uniform expectations for behavior across all levels of content creation.
Key Behavioral Expectations:
Adherence to Ethical Standards: All contributors must adhere to the highest ethical standards of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and impartiality in reporting. The guidelines emphasize the importance of truthfulness and the duty to avoid misleading the public.
Integrity and Professionalism: Journalists, editors, and other contributors are expected to maintain integrity and professionalism in their work. This includes respecting privacy, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring that personal views do not interfere with their journalistic duties.
Respectful Conduct: The guidelines require all contributors to engage respectfully with sources, colleagues, and the public, promoting a positive and constructive work environment.
Accountability and Transparency: Contributors are expected to take responsibility for their work, promptly correct errors, and communicate transparently with the editorial team and the audience when necessary.
Compliance with Editorial Decisions: All contributors are required to comply with the editorial decisions and processes set by the editorial leadership, ensuring consistency and alignment with the outlet’s standards.
These clear guidelines help maintain the quality and integrity of Dokuz Eylul’s journalism by establishing uniform expectations for behavior across all levels of content creation.
Do the guidelines referred to in the section on Editorial Guidelines make clear the structure of editorial responsibility for each stage of the publication process within the organisation?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
The editorial guidelines of Dokuz Eylul clearly define the structure of editorial responsibility at each stage of the publication process within the organization. These guidelines outline the roles and responsibilities of each contributor, ensuring a structured and accountable workflow from content creation to publication.
Editorial Responsibility Structure:
Journalists and Reporters: Responsible for gathering information, conducting interviews, and ensuring the accuracy of the facts in their reporting. They are the first line of responsibility for content quality and adherence to journalistic standards.
Section Editors: Oversee specific content areas such as news, features, or opinion pieces. They review submitted work for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with editorial guidelines, making necessary edits before forwarding the content for further review.
Managing Editors: Hold responsibility for the overall quality and consistency of content across all sections. They provide final editorial oversight, approve content for publication, and ensure that it aligns with the outlet’s ethical standards and editorial policies.
Chief Editor: The Chief Editor has the ultimate editorial responsibility, overseeing all stages of the publication process. They make final decisions on sensitive or controversial content and ensure that all editorial practices adhere to the organization’s guidelines.
Ombudsman: The Ombudsman, responsible for reviewing public complaints and feedback, ensures that editorial practices remain transparent and accountable to the audience, addressing any breaches of guidelines.
This structured approach ensures that each stage of the publication process is managed by designated individuals, providing clear accountability and maintaining the integrity of Dokuz Eylul’s journalism.
Editorial Responsibility Structure:
Journalists and Reporters: Responsible for gathering information, conducting interviews, and ensuring the accuracy of the facts in their reporting. They are the first line of responsibility for content quality and adherence to journalistic standards.
Section Editors: Oversee specific content areas such as news, features, or opinion pieces. They review submitted work for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with editorial guidelines, making necessary edits before forwarding the content for further review.
Managing Editors: Hold responsibility for the overall quality and consistency of content across all sections. They provide final editorial oversight, approve content for publication, and ensure that it aligns with the outlet’s ethical standards and editorial policies.
Chief Editor: The Chief Editor has the ultimate editorial responsibility, overseeing all stages of the publication process. They make final decisions on sensitive or controversial content and ensure that all editorial practices adhere to the organization’s guidelines.
Ombudsman: The Ombudsman, responsible for reviewing public complaints and feedback, ensures that editorial practices remain transparent and accountable to the audience, addressing any breaches of guidelines.
This structured approach ensures that each stage of the publication process is managed by designated individuals, providing clear accountability and maintaining the integrity of Dokuz Eylul’s journalism.
9.3. Guidelines and Journalism Principles
A Media Outlet shall ensure that these Editorial Guidelines embody the core ethical principles of journalism. The Editorial Guidelines may impose specific requirements in addition to these core ethical principles; but any additional requirements shall not compromise these core ethical principles as described in the Preamble of this document.
Do your Editorial Guidelines include requirements for Accuracy (as prescribed in the Preamble) in your output?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://igc.org.tr/kurumsal/yayin-ilkeleri/
Do they include requirements for Independence (as prescribed in the Preamble) of editorial decision making?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://igc.org.tr/kurumsal/yayin-ilkeleri/
Do they include requirements of Fairness (as prescribed in the Preamble) in the practice of journalism?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://igc.org.tr/kurumsal/yayin-ilkeleri/
Do they include requirements for Accountability (as prescribed in the Preamble) in the practice of its journalism?
YesWhat is the URL?
https://igc.org.tr/kurumsal/yayin-ilkeleri/
9.4. Conflicts of Interest
Editorial Guidelines shall ensure that there are no conflicts of interests – real, potential or perceived – damaging the integrity of the story or the editorial independence of those working on it. They should have guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to political, business and personal interests. Editorial structures should protect the journalism from any undue influence by the Media Outlet’s executive management or ownership authorities outside the formal editorial process and from any external interests, commercial, social or political.
Do your Editorial Guidelines include protections against real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Dokuz Eylul’s editorial guidelines include robust protections against real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest to safeguard the integrity of its journalism. These guidelines establish clear rules and procedures to identify, manage, and prevent conflicts that could compromise the impartiality and credibility of the editorial content.
Protections Against Conflicts of Interest:
Disclosure Requirements: All staff, including journalists, editors, and contributors, are required to disclose any personal, financial, or professional interests that could influence their work. This disclosure helps identify and manage potential conflicts before they affect the editorial process.
Restrictions on Political and Financial Involvement: The guidelines prohibit editorial staff from engaging in activities, such as political campaigning or financial investments, that could create a conflict of interest with their professional duties. This restriction helps maintain the objectivity of the content.
Separation of Editorial and Commercial Interests: Editorial decisions are kept strictly independent of commercial pressures, advertising relationships, or sponsorships. Contributors are not allowed to accept gifts, favors, or any form of compensation that could influence their reporting.
Editorial Oversight and Review: A system of editorial oversight is in place to review content for potential biases or conflicts of interest. Editors are trained to identify and address conflicts that could compromise journalistic integrity.
Guidelines for Personal Conduct: The guidelines set clear expectations for personal conduct, ensuring that staff avoid any actions or relationships that could be perceived as compromising their independence or that of the media outlet.
These protections are designed to maintain the trustworthiness and impartiality of Dokuz Eylul’s journalism, ensuring that all content is free from undue influence or bias.
Protections Against Conflicts of Interest:
Disclosure Requirements: All staff, including journalists, editors, and contributors, are required to disclose any personal, financial, or professional interests that could influence their work. This disclosure helps identify and manage potential conflicts before they affect the editorial process.
Restrictions on Political and Financial Involvement: The guidelines prohibit editorial staff from engaging in activities, such as political campaigning or financial investments, that could create a conflict of interest with their professional duties. This restriction helps maintain the objectivity of the content.
Separation of Editorial and Commercial Interests: Editorial decisions are kept strictly independent of commercial pressures, advertising relationships, or sponsorships. Contributors are not allowed to accept gifts, favors, or any form of compensation that could influence their reporting.
Editorial Oversight and Review: A system of editorial oversight is in place to review content for potential biases or conflicts of interest. Editors are trained to identify and address conflicts that could compromise journalistic integrity.
Guidelines for Personal Conduct: The guidelines set clear expectations for personal conduct, ensuring that staff avoid any actions or relationships that could be perceived as compromising their independence or that of the media outlet.
These protections are designed to maintain the trustworthiness and impartiality of Dokuz Eylul’s journalism, ensuring that all content is free from undue influence or bias.
Do the guidelines include guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to business?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Dokuz Eylul’s editorial guidelines include specific guidance on managing conflicts related to business to ensure that editorial independence is not compromised by commercial interests. These guidelines provide clear protocols for handling business-related conflicts, protecting the integrity of the content produced by the media outlet.
Guidance on Business-Related Conflicts:
Separation of Editorial and Commercial Functions: The guidelines emphasize a strict separation between editorial decision-making and business operations, including advertising and sponsorship. Editorial content is never influenced by business relationships, and commercial considerations do not dictate what is published.
Disclosure of Business Interests: Editorial staff are required to disclose any personal or familial business interests that may conflict with their professional duties. This disclosure helps to identify and mitigate potential conflicts before they affect editorial decisions.
Restrictions on Accepting Gifts and Compensation: Journalists, editors, and contributors are prohibited from accepting gifts, payments, or any form of compensation from businesses that could influence their reporting. This ensures that all content remains impartial and free from commercial influence.
Review and Approval Processes: The guidelines establish review and approval processes to assess any content that involves businesses, particularly those that have a financial relationship with the media outlet. This oversight helps to detect and address potential biases or conflicts of interest.
Transparency in Sponsorships and Partnerships: Any sponsored content or business partnerships are clearly labeled and disclosed to the audience, maintaining transparency and allowing readers to distinguish between editorial content and commercial messages.
These measures ensure that Dokuz Eylul’s journalism remains independent and free from the influence of business-related conflicts, upholding the highest standards of ethical reporting.
Guidance on Business-Related Conflicts:
Separation of Editorial and Commercial Functions: The guidelines emphasize a strict separation between editorial decision-making and business operations, including advertising and sponsorship. Editorial content is never influenced by business relationships, and commercial considerations do not dictate what is published.
Disclosure of Business Interests: Editorial staff are required to disclose any personal or familial business interests that may conflict with their professional duties. This disclosure helps to identify and mitigate potential conflicts before they affect editorial decisions.
Restrictions on Accepting Gifts and Compensation: Journalists, editors, and contributors are prohibited from accepting gifts, payments, or any form of compensation from businesses that could influence their reporting. This ensures that all content remains impartial and free from commercial influence.
Review and Approval Processes: The guidelines establish review and approval processes to assess any content that involves businesses, particularly those that have a financial relationship with the media outlet. This oversight helps to detect and address potential biases or conflicts of interest.
Transparency in Sponsorships and Partnerships: Any sponsored content or business partnerships are clearly labeled and disclosed to the audience, maintaining transparency and allowing readers to distinguish between editorial content and commercial messages.
These measures ensure that Dokuz Eylul’s journalism remains independent and free from the influence of business-related conflicts, upholding the highest standards of ethical reporting.
Do the guidelines include guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to political interests?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Dokuz Eylul’s editorial guidelines include specific guidance on managing conflicts related to political interests to ensure that editorial independence is preserved and that content remains unbiased. These guidelines outline clear protocols to prevent political affiliations or influences from compromising the integrity of the media outlet’s journalism.
Guidance on Political Conflicts of Interest:
Prohibition of Political Involvement: The guidelines prohibit journalists, editors, and other contributors from actively participating in political campaigns, holding public office, or engaging in activities that could create a conflict of interest with their editorial responsibilities.
Disclosure of Political Affiliations: All editorial staff are required to disclose any political affiliations or connections that could influence their reporting. This ensures transparency and allows the editorial team to assess and manage potential conflicts.
Editorial Independence from Political Influence: The guidelines emphasize that editorial decisions must be made independently of any political pressure or influence. Content must not favor any political party, candidate, or agenda, ensuring balanced and impartial coverage.
Review of Politically Sensitive Content: Content related to politics is subject to additional review to ensure it meets the standards of impartiality and fairness. Editors are responsible for identifying any potential biases and making necessary adjustments.
Clear Labelling of Opinions and Commentary: Political opinions and commentary are clearly labeled as such to distinguish them from news reporting. This helps the audience differentiate between objective reporting and personal viewpoints.
These measures ensure that Dokuz Eylul’s journalism remains free from political biases, maintaining the trust of its audience through a commitment to impartial and independent reporting."
Guidance on Political Conflicts of Interest:
Prohibition of Political Involvement: The guidelines prohibit journalists, editors, and other contributors from actively participating in political campaigns, holding public office, or engaging in activities that could create a conflict of interest with their editorial responsibilities.
Disclosure of Political Affiliations: All editorial staff are required to disclose any political affiliations or connections that could influence their reporting. This ensures transparency and allows the editorial team to assess and manage potential conflicts.
Editorial Independence from Political Influence: The guidelines emphasize that editorial decisions must be made independently of any political pressure or influence. Content must not favor any political party, candidate, or agenda, ensuring balanced and impartial coverage.
Review of Politically Sensitive Content: Content related to politics is subject to additional review to ensure it meets the standards of impartiality and fairness. Editors are responsible for identifying any potential biases and making necessary adjustments.
Clear Labelling of Opinions and Commentary: Political opinions and commentary are clearly labeled as such to distinguish them from news reporting. This helps the audience differentiate between objective reporting and personal viewpoints.
These measures ensure that Dokuz Eylul’s journalism remains free from political biases, maintaining the trust of its audience through a commitment to impartial and independent reporting."
Do the guidelines include guidance on how to deal with conflicts related to personal interests?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Dokuz Eylul’s editorial guidelines include clear guidance on managing conflicts related to personal interests to ensure that all content remains impartial and independent. These guidelines provide protocols to identify, disclose, and mitigate personal conflicts that could influence editorial decisions.
Guidance on Personal Conflicts of Interest:
Mandatory Disclosure of Personal Interests: All journalists, editors, and contributors are required to disclose any personal relationships, financial investments, or affiliations that could create a conflict of interest with their editorial duties. This includes personal connections to individuals or entities that could affect impartial reporting.
Avoiding Coverage of Personal Matters: Staff members are prohibited from covering stories or issues in which they have a personal stake. If a conflict is identified, the individual is recused from the assignment, and the story is reassigned to another contributor without such conflicts.
Restrictions on Accepting Personal Benefits: The guidelines prohibit accepting gifts, favors, or any form of personal benefit that could influence journalistic work. This ensures that editorial decisions are based solely on professional judgment and not personal gain.
Editorial Oversight: Editors are responsible for reviewing content to identify potential personal biases and ensure compliance with the guidelines. If a conflict is detected, necessary adjustments are made to maintain the integrity of the content.
Commitment to Transparency: The guidelines emphasize the importance of transparency in dealing with personal conflicts. Any necessary disclosures are made to the editorial team, and in some cases, may be communicated to the audience to maintain trust.
These measures ensure that personal interests do not compromise the editorial integrity of Dokuz Eylul, safeguarding the outlet’s commitment to unbiased and ethical journalism.
Guidance on Personal Conflicts of Interest:
Mandatory Disclosure of Personal Interests: All journalists, editors, and contributors are required to disclose any personal relationships, financial investments, or affiliations that could create a conflict of interest with their editorial duties. This includes personal connections to individuals or entities that could affect impartial reporting.
Avoiding Coverage of Personal Matters: Staff members are prohibited from covering stories or issues in which they have a personal stake. If a conflict is identified, the individual is recused from the assignment, and the story is reassigned to another contributor without such conflicts.
Restrictions on Accepting Personal Benefits: The guidelines prohibit accepting gifts, favors, or any form of personal benefit that could influence journalistic work. This ensures that editorial decisions are based solely on professional judgment and not personal gain.
Editorial Oversight: Editors are responsible for reviewing content to identify potential personal biases and ensure compliance with the guidelines. If a conflict is detected, necessary adjustments are made to maintain the integrity of the content.
Commitment to Transparency: The guidelines emphasize the importance of transparency in dealing with personal conflicts. Any necessary disclosures are made to the editorial team, and in some cases, may be communicated to the audience to maintain trust.
These measures ensure that personal interests do not compromise the editorial integrity of Dokuz Eylul, safeguarding the outlet’s commitment to unbiased and ethical journalism.
Does the Media Outlet’s structure protect the editorial processes from any undue influence from within or without?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Dokuz Eylul’s organizational structure is designed to protect the editorial processes from any undue influence, both from within the organization and from external sources. This structure ensures that editorial independence is maintained, allowing journalists and editors to work free from pressures that could compromise their integrity and the quality of their work.
Protections Against Undue Influence:
Separation of Editorial and Management Functions: There is a clear separation between the editorial team and the management or ownership bodies of Dokuz Eylul. This ensures that business interests, advertising relationships, or ownership concerns do not interfere with editorial decisions.
Editorial Independence: Editorial decisions are made solely by the editorial staff, including journalists, editors, and the Chief Editor, without interference from executives, owners, or external parties. This autonomy is critical to maintaining unbiased and credible journalism.
Ethical Guidelines and Oversight: The editorial guidelines explicitly prohibit external entities, including advertisers, sponsors, and political figures, from influencing the content. An editorial oversight system is in place to monitor compliance with these guidelines and to address any attempts at undue influence.
Role of the Ombudsman: The Ombudsman, an independent role within Dokuz Eylul, serves as an additional layer of protection by reviewing complaints, ensuring editorial integrity, and addressing any external pressures that may impact journalistic standards.
Transparent Processes: The editorial process is transparent, with clear protocols for content review and approval. This transparency helps identify and mitigate any potential influences that could affect editorial independence.
These protections ensure that Dokuz Eylul’s journalism is driven by ethical standards and public interest, free from any undue influence from within or outside the organization.
Protections Against Undue Influence:
Separation of Editorial and Management Functions: There is a clear separation between the editorial team and the management or ownership bodies of Dokuz Eylul. This ensures that business interests, advertising relationships, or ownership concerns do not interfere with editorial decisions.
Editorial Independence: Editorial decisions are made solely by the editorial staff, including journalists, editors, and the Chief Editor, without interference from executives, owners, or external parties. This autonomy is critical to maintaining unbiased and credible journalism.
Ethical Guidelines and Oversight: The editorial guidelines explicitly prohibit external entities, including advertisers, sponsors, and political figures, from influencing the content. An editorial oversight system is in place to monitor compliance with these guidelines and to address any attempts at undue influence.
Role of the Ombudsman: The Ombudsman, an independent role within Dokuz Eylul, serves as an additional layer of protection by reviewing complaints, ensuring editorial integrity, and addressing any external pressures that may impact journalistic standards.
Transparent Processes: The editorial process is transparent, with clear protocols for content review and approval. This transparency helps identify and mitigate any potential influences that could affect editorial independence.
These protections ensure that Dokuz Eylul’s journalism is driven by ethical standards and public interest, free from any undue influence from within or outside the organization.