Editorial Policy

NewsArk Editorial Policy

(A Unit of KKN Media Group)

Purpose of This Policy

The editorial policy of NewsArk aims to uphold the values of impartiality, transparency, and public trust in all editorial content. These guidelines apply to all team members at NewsArk, including full-time, part-time, freelance, and contract contributors.

The purpose of this policy is to protect the journalistic integrity and ethical standards of NewsArk and ensure that every published piece reflects fairness, accuracy, and independence. Every member is expected to read this document thoroughly and follow its principles in day-to-day work.

Responsibility and Enforcement

All members of NewsArk are responsible for compliance with this code. Upon joining, every member must acknowledge in writing that they have read and understood the policy. This acknowledgment will be renewed annually.

Any breach or lapse in these guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including termination.

Employees are encouraged to report any actual or potential violations of this policy, including possible conflicts of interest, to their immediate supervisor. Discussions will be kept confidential to the extent possible, and NewsArk prohibits retaliation against any employee who reports concerns in good faith.

This policy does not prohibit:

  • Lawful whistleblowing to authorities.

  • Participating in legally protected labor activities, such as discussing wages, working conditions, or organizing.

Financial Disclosures

Business & Financial Coverage

Journalists who regularly report on business, finance, or markets—including areas like cryptocurrencies—are prohibited from short-term speculative activities or using insider information for personal gain.

They must avoid:

  • Trading based on non-public information.

  • Using reporting to influence stock prices.

  • Owning investments that may conflict with their beat.

Investment Restrictions

  • No short-selling or in-and-out trading.

  • Personal investments must be held for at least six months (excluding mutual funds).

  • No buying/selling of securities related to one’s beat or industry.

  • Immediate family members of editorial staff are subject to the same restrictions.

Conflict of Interest

Promotions and Links

Accepting any form of payment or compensation in exchange for promotion, coverage, or linking is prohibited, unless explicitly disclosed. This includes both direct monetary exchanges and benefits like paid travel, gifts, or samples.

If we receive any such consideration:

  • We disclose it clearly.

  • We maintain editorial independence regardless of the benefit.

External Affiliations

No employee may serve on a Board of Directors where it may create a conflict of interest with NewsArk. All board memberships must be disclosed and approved by management.

Political Activities

NewsArk encourages civic participation but prohibits overt political activity by members of the editorial and senior management teams. This includes:

  • Publicly supporting political candidates.

  • Participating in political campaigns.

  • Donating to political candidates or PACs.

Family members may participate freely, but staff must avoid any perception of bias.

Gifts and Freebies

  • Acceptable: Gifts below ₹1000 (e.g., T-shirts, mugs, flowers).

  • Unacceptable: Anything over ₹1000 unless approved by a manager.

  • Meals, travel, and services should only be accepted if essential to editorial duties and disclosed when relevant.

Gifts received after publication of an article must be declined, returned, or donated. Resale of gifted items is strictly prohibited.

Product Reviews & Endorsements

  • Test products must be returned or donated.

  • No paid or discounted endorsements are allowed, whether on personal or official accounts.

  • Endorsements must reflect genuine, unbiased opinions.

Social Media Policy

Core Principles

  • Use good judgment and professionalism at all times.

  • Understand that nothing online is private.

  • Assume your posts represent NewsArk, even if posted from personal accounts.

Key Rules

  • Do not disclose confidential or unpublished company information.

  • Clearly state if a post reflects personal opinion.

  • Be respectful—no harassment, defamation, or threats.

  • Avoid politically charged or biased content that can damage NewsArk’s reputation.

  • Respect copyright, intellectual property, and privacy laws.

Misuse of social media can result in disciplinary action.

Editorial Standards

Fairness and Balance

NewsArk values objective journalism. Our reporters must:

  • Seek both sides of any story.

  • Allow subjects of criticism a reasonable opportunity to respond.

  • Avoid assumptions, bias, and inflammatory language.

Plagiarism

Strictly prohibited. All work must be original or properly attributed. Even brief excerpts must be credited to the original source.

Equipment and Review Units

Staff borrowing items for editorial use must return them promptly. Books may be kept for personal use but not resold or copied.

Commitment to Truth

NewsArk operates under the belief that journalism is a public trust. Our integrity is our brand. We strive to maintain it through transparency, fairness, and accuracy in everything we do.

For questions or clarifications, contact your department head or the HR/Compliance team at KKN Media Group.