Editorial Policy

THE VERITAS

Code of Editorial Policy

Adopted by the Editorial Board

Ratification

The Editorial Board of The Veritas adopts this Code of Editorial Policy in order to regulate all the editorial, journalistic and publishing activities within the editorial body.It establishes the norms and values that guide The Veritas in its adherence to accurate, independent and ethical journalism.This policy must be followed by all staff, contributors and editorial partners in their entirety.2. Editorial Mission

The Veritas stands as a fearless voice committed to truth and justice. In an era where misinformation and vested interests dominate narratives, we dedicate ourselves to unbiased, fact-checked, responsible and informed journalism.

Our mission is to uncover hidden realities, amplify marginalized voices, and hold those in power accountable. we go beyond headlines—investigating stories that matter to people’s lives, governance, and society. We are not just a media house—we are a movement where truth speaks for itself and justice is never compromised.Each story we publish is a contract between us and our readers, and we will be accurate, fair and honest in all things and at all times.We believe in journalism well done and don't accept that this is just for money, it is a moral obligation.This policy reflects the standards that The Veritas upholds in keeping with that conviction.3. Core Principles

All editorial decisions at The Veritas are governed by the following non-negotiable principles:

Truth and Accuracy

Independence

Fairness and Impartiality

Accountability

Humanity

Transparency.

4. Fact-Checking Standards

For every factual claim, there must be a minimum of two independent and credible sources to support the claim before it will be published.

Primary Sources: Documents, Data, Testimony are always preferred over Secondary Accounts.Statistical claims must reference their originating methodology.

All news, analysis and investigative material must be pre-verified.Journalists must check for facts before going to the editor.All investigations with major legal implications, national security concerns, and high risk of reputational damage must go through external fact checking.Real Time/Breaking news should be clearly marked as such, and should be updated or corrected as the information becomes available.We value accuracy over breaking coverage with potential inaccuracies.5. Corrections PolicyThe Veritas rectifies errors quickly, clearly and unambiguously.If you make a correction, it's not a failure; if you don't make a correction, it's a failure.Minor factual errors (names, dates, figures, etc.) should be corrected immediately within 24 hours of their discovery and published with a correction notice added to the bottom of the original article, with a time stamped date.Statements of material error that impact on the content or findings of a report shall be corrected with a statement of correction at the top of the article and a single correction statement if applicable.Retraction is limited to articles, which it is determined have been fundamentally incorrect, or have been published in violation of this policy.Only the retracted article is published, with the original article clearly marked as retracted.Any correction or retraction shall not be delayed, suppressed or anonymised upon the request of any third party or legal counsel, even as sources of advertisements.6. Anonymous SourcesIt is a privilege, not a rule of practice to source anonymously.The reporter must know the names of all sources, and, in delicate cases, of a senior editor.Anonymity is available only in which respects:The source is likely to suffer professional, legal or personal harm if their identity is disclosed, and the information is of genuine public interest and is not available in any other way.Anonymous statements that cannot be substantiated shall not be published.The complaints of misconduct must be substantiated by at least one anonymous source.To readers in general the reason for anonymity should be explained.Information concerning sources is never disclosed to third parties without specific consent, with the exception of when required by law.7. Conflict of Interest

Any relationship, financial, personal, familial or political, which may reasonably be thought to impair or be likely to impair the objectivity of any staff member in relation to any assignment is to be disclosed by all members of staff.Journalists are not allowed to report on organisations, individuals or sectors in which they have a financial interest.This includes equity holdings, advising, and meaningful social and/or professional connections.Gifts, hospitality or press trips that may give rise to a sense of obligation should be refused or, if necessary, reported in the press trip coverage.Disclosures are made in writing to the Editorial Director.Conflicts of interest that are discovered following the publication will be reviewed for disciplinary action and if substantive, a public disclosure notice will be issued.8. Political Neutrality

The Veritas news service is not the party to those of political parties, candidates or ideology movements.Our journalism does not promote electoral results; it is based on evidence, policy and differing perspectives, not on results.News reporters are prohibited from publicly campaigning for, donating to, and officially joining any political party or political candidate.News content should be framed, selected and emphasised with no influence from personal political views.Opinion contributors are not required to have a political stance and are free to express it.The position of The Veritas is not represented in their pieces, which are clearly marked as opinion.Political actors are equally and equally covered based on the same evidential standard, irrespective of party or ideology.9. News & Opinion Policy

Factual reporting versus opinion is inviolable at The Veritas.In presentation, labelling and tone the two must never be confused.All opinion, analysis, commentary and editorial content is clearly identified as such at the time of its publication.Designations of 'Opinion', 'Commentary' or 'Analysis' are prominently and consistently displayed.News reporters avoid using their personal opinion in their reporting.If an interpretation is required, this should be provided by a named and credible source, and not assumed by the journalist.The selection of opinion contributors is based on their expertise, relevance and perspective — not their ideology with The Veritas or any of its business partners.10. Sponsored ContentThe Veritas welcomes sponsored and branded content, but only in accordance with strict guidelines that do not compromise editorial quality and trust.All sponsored content is clearly and unambiguously identified as 'Paid Partnership', 'Sponsored' or 'Advertiser Content' and distinguished from editorial content and clearly identifiable to the reader.Sponsors do not have editorial control of news or investigative material.No sponsor shall be allowed to edit, censor or guide coverage of editorial content as part of any commercial arrangement.Sponsored content must be factually accurate and has editorial review prior to publication in order to meet the same standards as editorial content.The Veritas reserves the right to refuse or remove sponsored content when it does not align with the values of The Veritas or misleads readers.11. Copyright

The Veritas will respect the intellectual property rights of all contributors and staff in their publications and expects contributors and staff to do the same.

All information, images, data, audio and visual material to be used by The Veritas are to be original or properly licensed or reproduced under the provisions of the fair dealing acts.The use of copyrighted works is subject to verification of usage rights prior to publication.The use of third-party material is restricted to the absolutely necessary for journalistic commentary, criticism or analysis.Citations of sources are always used.

The intellectual property of The Veritas, unless expressly granted by the company in writing, shall be all the original works created by the staff of The Veritas during the performance of their duties.Moral rights are assigned to the freelance contributor and copyright is assigned at the time of commission to The Veritas unless stated in the contributor agreement.12. Reader Complaints

The Veritas has a complaints process which is transparent and easily accessible and is a reflection of the accountability it has to the public it serves.Any complaints concerned with accuracy, fairness or violation of this policy can be made through the complaints procedure.Complaints are acknowledged within 3 working days in writing.

A substantive response is given within 14 working days.If the complaint is upheld, the required correction, clarification or apology is provided no later than five working days after the point of the complaint's acceptance.

Any complaints which are not considered to have been resolved internally may be directed to the appropriate press standards body.

The Veritas responds completely to all regulatory inquiries and does not resort to legal action to stifle or delay valid complaints.13. Sensitive ReportingSome reports are more sensitive than others because of their possible effect on a vulnerable person, community or nation's interest and so demand higher editorial care.In addition to those previous standards, the Veritas uses the following criteria:Mental health and suicide - Reporting is in line with safe messaging guidelines.There is no detailed description of methods.Where appropriate, support resources are signposted.Minors: Children appearing in news events are not identified without having the consent of their parents/guardians and a compelling public interest reason, being considered at a high level within the editorial decision-making process.Identities:They are not revealed without informed, explicit consent from victim of crime and sexual violence.Coverage does not sensationalise, victim blame or unnecessarily bring in traumatic incidents.National security: All content that poses a threat to individuals, could jeopardize an investigation of legal proceedings, or interfere with legitimate security operations is considered by legal counsel and the Editorial Board prior to publication.14. Diversity and Inclusion

The Veritas is dedicated to reporting that represents and serves all facets of societies it reports.Diversity is not a 'style' thing, it's an 'editing' thing.We will strive to source in an inclusive way.Editors and reporters actively seek out views from communities that have been under-represented in the mainstream media, such as geographically, class, disability, ethnicity, and gender.There is no reduction of coverage of marginalised communities to crisis narratives.The Veritas will continue to provide regular and richly nuanced coverage that captures the breadth of these communities' lives.The use of language that perpetuates unhelpful stereotypes, slurs or dehumanisation of people or groups is not published.The Style Committee reviews evolving language standards on a regular basis, consulting with appropriate communities.The Veritas is committed to monitoring its staff, contributor and editorial team diversity and to reporting on diversity in an annual inclusion statement as part of its public accountability obligations.