At NewsMeter, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy, and fairness. Our editorial policies ensure transparency, independence, and accountability in all our reporting.

1. News Team

The News Team at NewsMeter covers breaking news, in-depth reports, and investigative stories with a focus on Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Our editorial principles guide us in delivering fact-based, unbiased, and ethical journalism.

1.1 Accuracy & Fairness

• We verify all information through multiple reliable sources before publishing.

• If errors occur, we issue timely corrections with transparency.

• We present all sides of a story to ensure balanced reporting.

1.2 Independence & Objectivity

• Our editorial team operates free from political, corporate, or governmental influence.

• We do not accept funding from political parties or government entities that may compromise our neutrality.

• Journalists disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

1.3 Ethical Reporting & Sensitivity

• We follow ethical guidelines when reporting on sensitive issues, including crime, gender, and marginalized communities.

• We do not reveal identities of sexual assault victims, minors, or individuals at risk without consent.

1.4 Source Transparency

• Anonymous sources are used only when necessary, and their credibility is verified.

• We attribute information to primary sources, official statements, and verified documents.

2. Fact-Check Team

NewsMeter’s Fact-Check Team operates independently from the news division, ensuring that all verifications are free from editorial influence. Our fact-checks are based solely on verifiable evidence, maintaining a strict commitment to non-partisanship and transparency.

2.1 Non-Partisan Approach

• We fact-check all claims using the same high standards of evidence, regardless of who made them.

• Fact-checks are based on verifiable data and are not influenced by political affiliations, financial interests, or personal biases.

• As part of company policy, all employees of Fifth Estate Digital Pvt. Ltd. sign an undertaking stating that they are not directly or indirectly involved in any political activity.

• Our fact-checks do not contain opinions but simply present facts.

• We ensure that anyone recruited into the fact-checking team has no affiliation with political parties or advocacy organizations. On a case-by-case basis, personal support for causes is reviewed to ensure alignment with our policies.

• Employees are prohibited from contesting or accepting any appointment or association of any nature with public office.

2.2 Conflict of Interest Disclosure

• We clearly disclose any potential conflicts of interest in our fact-checks.

• If we cite an expert with a past or current political affiliation, we mention their background in our report.

2.3 Funding & Political Independence

• NewsMeter does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources.

• We operate independently, ensuring that no political party, government entity, or corporate body influences our editorial decisions.

2.4 Policy on Protection of Individuals and Vulnerable Groups

NewsMeter is committed to ethical journalism and ensuring the privacy, safety, and dignity of individuals featured in our fact-checks. We adhere to the following principles:

Children

• We do not disclose the identity or personal details of minors unless legally required or in the public interest, with parental/guardian consent.

• No identifiable details (name, photo, school, etc.) are published.

• Faces are blurred in images or videos when necessary.

• We ensure sensitive reporting to avoid misrepresentation or exploitation.

• We comply with child protection laws and ethical journalism standards.

Victims of Crimes & Assault

• We do not disclose the identity or personal details of victims of heinous crimes, sexual assault, domestic violence, or other sensitive cases, unless legally permitted and necessary for public awareness.

Vulnerable Individuals

• We obscure faces and identifying details of individuals at risk of harm, including whistleblowers, refugees, and marginalized communities, to protect them from potential repercussions.

Handling of Personal Information

• We anonymize or partially conceal personal details (such as phone numbers, email addresses, bank details, and government IDs) unless they are crucial evidence in a fact-check.

• We seek consent before publishing personal data and comply with applicable laws, including the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.

• For privacy concerns, contact us at: factcheck@newsmeter.in