At Keertiman, our journalism rests on the five foundational pillars of truth, independence, accuracy, balance and accountability. This Editorial Policy makes explicit the standards our reporters, editors and contributors uphold every day.
Our Guiding Principles
1. Truth and Accuracy
We publish news only after verifying the facts. Each story must be confirmed from at least two independent sources. We do not publish speculation, rumour or unverified claims as news.
2. Editorial Independence
Our editorial decision-making is independent. No political party, industrial house, advertiser or personal interest can influence our news selection or presentation. The advertising team and the editorial team operate separately.
3. Fairness and Balance
On contested issues, we give every concerned party the opportunity to speak. If a party declines to comment, that is clearly stated.
4. Opinion vs. Fact
Editorials, columns, blogs and opinion-based articles are clearly labelled "Opinion", "View" or "Analysis". News reports do not contain the reporter's personal opinion.
5. Transparent Disclosure of Sponsored Content
Advertisements, sponsored posts and branded content are always labelled "Advertisement" / "Sponsored" / "Brand Post".
6. Sources and Evidence
We prioritise credible, verified sources. Anonymous sources are used only in exceptional circumstances.
What We Do Not Do
- Disinformation: We do not knowingly publish false content
- Hateful content: No content based on discrimination by religion, caste, region, gender or sexual orientation
- Privacy violation: No unauthorised intrusion into private life
- Violent / objectionable imagery: Not unless necessary in public interest
- Exploitation of children: No identification of minors without parental consent
- Clickbait: We stay away from misleading headlines
Reporting on Minors and Sensitive Topics
Minors: Identities of children under 18 will not be disclosed in cases involving rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence or legal proceedings (POCSO Act, 2012).
Rape and sexual violence: The victim's identity will never be published (IPC §228A).
Suicide: Following WHO media guidelines, we do not detail the method or location. Mention of mental-health helplines is mandatory.
Crime reporting: The accused is identified only after the chargesheet is filed. The term "alleged" is used until conviction.
Content Review Process
- Gathering: Reporter collects facts and verifies from two independent sources
- Writing: Story drafted; headline kept accurate
- Editing: Copy editor checks language, facts and structure
- Approval: Senior editor gives final clearance on sensitive stories
- Publication: Goes live after a final check
Corrections and Updates
- Correct within 24 hours
- Add a clear "Correction:" note at the top of the article
- For significant errors, also issue a correction notice on social channels
To report an error: editorial@keertiman.com
Fact-Checking
We have a dedicated fact-checking team. See our Fact Check Policy for the detailed process.
AI and Automation
We make limited, assistive use of AI tools for certain editorial tasks. All news content is written, verified and edited by human journalists. Fully AI-generated articles will be clearly labelled.
User-Generated Content and Comments
We moderate reader comments to a limited extent. Hateful, abusive, spammy and defamatory comments may be removed without notice.
Diversity and Inclusion
We value diversity in our newsroom and news selection — balanced representation across gender, region, religion, caste and socio-economic background is our priority.
Alignment with Standards Bodies
- Press Council of India (PCI) — Norms of Journalistic Conduct
- News Broadcasters Association (NBA) — Content Code (where applicable)
- IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
- IFCN Code of Principles (for fact-checking)
Reaction and Feedback
For news tips, editorial feedback, or to disagree with a report: editorial@keertiman.com