14. Internal Accountability
14.1. Dealing with Inaccuracies
There shall be a systematic editorial structure in the Media Outlet to ensure that any inaccuracies in its content are corrected in a timely and transparent manner. This shall include a clear process to allow potential errors to be communicated to the Media Outlet by the public and those with knowledge of the story and for assessing and dealing with the claims.
Do you have a clear process to allow potential errors to be communicated to the Media Outlet by the public?
YesDo you publish that process?
NoDo you have a clear process to allow potential errors to be communicated to the Media Outlet by those with direct involvement in the story?
YesDo you have a clear process for assessing and dealing with the claims?
YesIs there a systematic editorial structure in the Media Outlet to ensure that any inaccuracies in its content are corrected in a timely and transparent manner?
Yes14.2. Publishing Corrections
In particular, in relation to inaccuracies, a Media Outlet shall adopt good practice for correcting inaccuracies, such as making a clear indication of the correction in a similarly prominent place and manner as the original version, such as the same URL or in similar time and format of broadcast.
Does your Media Outlet guarantee the publication of the correction of all significant inaccuracies and errors in a similar place and manner as the original version, such as the same URL or in similar time and format of broadcast?
Yes14.3. Contact and Process for Complaints
A Media Outlet shall have a designated person and/or contact information in place for complaints. A process shall exist for members of the public to open a dialogue with the organisation in the event of potential breaches of its journalism principles or Editorial Guidelines. This information shall be easily available.
Does your organisation have a designated contact in the event of complaints about potential breaches of its journalism principles or Editorial Guidelines?
YesDoes your organisation have a designated process for the public to open a dialogue with you regarding potential breaches of its journalism principles or Editorial Guidelines? (These may follow the Uniform Correction or Clarification act adopted by most U.S. States.)
YesIs that information clearly available?
No14.4. Internal Process for Complaints
The Media Outlet shall have a clear procedure in place to ensure that all staff are aware of the process that must be followed when such a complaint is received. For example in larger Media Outlets, it must be known and accepted that the creator of a piece of journalism that is subject to such a complaint must escalate the issue to a designated third person. A Media Outlet shall ensure that complaints are addressed within the Media Outlet in a fair, reasonable and timely manner.
Are your staff (Employees and Freelance) aware of the process that must be followed in the event of such complaints?
YesAre they aware that all such complaints must be brought to the attention of a senior member of staff (of organisations large enough to have a staff) not directly connected with the creation of the story?
YesIs your Media Outlet committed to the resolution of any such complaints in a fair, reasonable and timely manner?
Yes14.5. Independence of Ombudsperson
Where a Media Outlet's internal accountability mechanism takes the form of an ombudsperson, that person may be appointed by the Media Outlet; but in this case there shall be a transparent process for his/her appointment and the ombudsperson's independence shall be protected to ensure that he/she cannot be removed from the position simply for challenging journalistic or editorial decisions or actions.