Last Updated: November 2025
Effective For: Khabar Mirror (khabarmirror.com)
Contact Email: [email protected]
1. INTRODUCTION
Khabar Mirror is committed to the highest standards of journalism.
This Editorial Code of Ethics (“Code”) outlines the principles, values, and guidelines that govern our editorial operations, content creation, reporting standards, and newsroom conduct.
Our mission is to:
- Inform the public responsibly
- Uphold accuracy and fairness
- Maintain independence and integrity
- Protect freedom of the press
- Serve the public interest
These guidelines apply to all editors, reporters, contributors, freelancers, content writers, and staff associated with Khabar Mirror.
2. CORE PRINCIPLES OF JOURNALISM
Khabar Mirror adheres to the following foundational principles:
2.1 Accuracy
- Verify facts before publication
- Use reliable and authoritative sources
- Distinguish between verified news and unverified information
- Promptly correct errors
2.2 Fairness
- Present multiple viewpoints
- Provide context to avoid misrepresentation
- Avoid deliberate distortion or omission
2.3 Integrity & Independence
- Maintain editorial independence from political, commercial, or personal interests
- Reject undue influence and external pressure
- Ensure transparency in reporting
2.4 Transparency
- Attribute sources
- Clarify methodology when needed
- Disclose potential conflicts of interest
2.5 Accountability
- Accept responsibility for published content
- Provide a working grievance mechanism (in accordance with IT Rules 2021)
- Correct errors promptly and clearly
3. SEPARATION OF NEWS, OPINION & ADVERTISING
To preserve editorial integrity:
3.1 News vs. Opinion
- News reports must be factual and neutral
- Opinion, columns, and analysis must be clearly labeled
- Commentary should not be presented as factual reporting
3.2 No Influence of Advertisers
- Advertisers cannot influence editorial decisions
- Sponsored content must be clearly marked as “Sponsored”, “Advertisement”, or “Partner Content”
3.3 Editorial Firewall
The editorial team operates independently from:
- advertisers
- marketing partners
- political entities
- corporate clients
4. SOURCING & ATTRIBUTION
4.1 Use of Credible Sources
We rely on:
- official statements
- public documents
- eyewitness accounts
- credible journalistic sources
- verified digital or social media inputs
4.2 Anonymous Sources
Use of anonymous sources is allowed only when:
- information is of strong public interest
- the identity of the source must be protected
- at least one senior editor verifies the credibility
4.3 Avoiding Manipulated Content
We do not publish:
- morphed, AI-generated, or misrepresented media
- misleading headlines
- doctored videos or images
- unverified social media claims
When using digital content, we verify authenticity.
5. FACT-CHECKING & VERIFICATION
Khabar Mirror places strong emphasis on fact-checking:
- Multiple-source verification wherever possible
- Cross-checking with official records
- Using reliable statistics and data
- Avoiding speculation
- Clear labeling of unverified or developing news
We avoid publishing:
- rumors
- hearsay
- unconfirmed claims
- misleading interpretations
Unless clearly stated as “unverified” or “developing story”.
6. RESPONSIBLE REPORTING STANDARDS
6.1 Crime Reporting
We avoid:
- sensationalism
- unnecessary graphic details
- identifying minors or victims
- publishing unverified allegations
6.2 Political Reporting
- Maintain neutrality
- Provide balanced viewpoints
- Avoid partisanship or political bias
- Verify claims made by political actors
6.3 Sensitive Topics
For topics such as:
- communal issues
- gender-based violence
- health emergencies
- suicides
- civil unrest
- national security
We use extreme caution and follow ethical guidelines prescribed by Indian law and global journalism standards.
7. PRIVACY, DIGNITY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
7.1 Respect for Privacy
We avoid revealing personal information unless:
- it serves public interest
- is already publicly accessible
- disclosure is legally required
7.2 Protecting Vulnerable Groups
We do not publish identifiable details of:
- minors
- survivors of sexual crimes
- victims of traumatic events
- private individuals not in public life
7.3 Avoiding Harm
Khabar Mirror avoids:
- hate speech
- misinformation
- discrimination
- incitement of violence
- harmful stereotypes
We commit to socially responsible journalism.
8. PLAGIARISM POLICY
Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
This includes:
- copying articles from other media
- using external content without attribution
- rewriting without credit
- AI-generated content passed off as original without verification
- using images or media without rights or license
Violation may result in:
- article removal
- correction notice
- disciplinary action
- legal consequences
9. USE OF AI & AUTOMATION
Khabar Mirror may use AI tools for:
- grammar correction
- transcription
- headline suggestions
- research support
But we do NOT use AI for:
- writing deceptive or fully automated news
- generating fake quotes
- creating AI-manipulated images labeled as real
- publishing unchecked AI responses as factual reporting
Human editorial oversight is mandatory for all published content.
10. CORRECTIONS & ACCOUNTABILITY
When errors occur, we:
- correct promptly
- mark updates clearly
- issue clarification notices when necessary
- document significant corrections
- follow the official Corrections & Grievance Redressal Policy
We do not:
- hide corrections
- silently edit significant factual errors without acknowledgement
- ignore legitimate grievances
11. GRIEVANCE MECHANISM
As required by the IT Rules 2021, users may report:
- factual inaccuracies
- ethical violations
- privacy concerns
- legal issues
- inappropriate content
- misinformation
Complaints can be sent to:
Grievance Officer
Khabar Mirror
Email: [email protected]
Complaints are acknowledged within 72 hours
and addressed within 15–30 days.
12. SOCIAL MEDIA CONDUCT
Khabar Mirror staff and contributors must:
- avoid political trolling
- not promote false claims
- not misuse their official identity
- not defame individuals or organizations
- not reveal sensitive editorial information
Personal opinions must not compromise professional neutrality.
13. EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE FROM OWNERSHIP
The owners of Khabar Mirror:
- do not interfere in day-to-day editorial decisions
- do not influence political or business coverage
- cannot alter or suppress factual reporting for personal gain
Editorial decisions remain the sole responsibility of the newsroom.
14. CHANGES TO THIS CODE
Khabar Mirror may revise this Code periodically to reflect:
- changes in law
- changes in digital journalism ethics
- operational updates
- new editorial practices
- introduction of Hindi-language reporting
Updated policies will carry a revised “Last Updated” date.
15. CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding this Code, write us below or contact here:
Khabar Mirror
Email: [email protected]
