These are the standards every Dapstrem Media journalist works to. They apply to everything we publish - on the website, radio, TV and social media.
Accuracy
We check facts before we publish. Claims are confirmed with the people involved, official records or at least two independent sources. If we cannot confirm something, we say so or we do not publish it.
Independence
Our reporting is decided by our editors alone. Owners, advertisers, sponsors, politicians and artists cannot buy, approve or change coverage. Staff declare conflicts of interest and do not cover stories they have a personal stake in.
Fairness and right of reply
People and organisations we report on are given a fair chance to respond to serious allegations before publication, and their response is included.
Sources
We name our sources wherever possible. Anonymous sources are used only when the information is important, cannot be obtained another way and the source would face real harm if named - and only with an editor's approval.
Attribution
When we use information first reported by another outlet, we credit and link to it. We do not copy other publishers' work.
Photos and video
Images are credited. We do not alter news photos in ways that mislead; illustrations and edited images are labelled.
News, opinion and sponsored content
News reports, opinion and analysis are clearly separated. Paid or sponsored content is always labelled as such and is never presented as news.
Use of AI tools
Our journalists may use software tools to help with research, transcription or editing, but every story is written, checked and approved by a person, and the newsroom is responsible for everything we publish.
Headlines
Headlines must reflect the story accurately and must not exaggerate or mislead to win clicks.
Privacy and harm
We respect privacy, take extra care with children, victims of crime and people in grief, and do not publish graphic content without a clear public-interest reason and a warning.
Mistakes
When we make an error we correct it promptly and transparently - see our corrections policy.