CivilNet’s code of ethics for journalists serves as a guide to maintain the organization’s journalistic integrity, impartiality, and decency and to ensure the public’s maximum trust in us.
These rules of ethics derive from our vision, mission, and values and serve as a guideline for our employee’s activities.
These rules are a living document and are subject to changes and updates as needed.
Gifts and payments
We do not accept gifts from our informers and sources. We do not accept free rides. We do not seek and reject any preferential treatment that may be given because of our professional activities.
We do not accept payments, honoraria, or expenses from the government, government-funded organizations, government officials, political groups, or parties.
We cannot receive money from any person, company, or organization that is the subject of our coverage.
Exclusion of external influence
Our donors, both organizations and individuals, cannot censor our content. Grants and donations allocated for different topics cannot under any circumstances imply censorship.
Partner and sponsored content
In cases where we cover the activities of any organization, company, or institution as part of a partnership, we must clearly mention that the piece is “partner content.” If the piece is an advertisement, that must be mentioned accordingly.
Partner content and sponsored content cannot conflict with our mission or values and cannot in any way predetermine or influence the content or editorial independence of our other materials.
Social media
Social media platforms can be useful as a reporting tool and contribute to our ability to reach new audiences, but it is important to remember that CivilNet journalists’ social media accounts, on Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn or elsewhere, may affect CivilNet’s reputation and credibility.
Our journalists are expected to act responsibly on social media platforms in accordance with CivilNet’s Social Media Guidelines.
About CivilNet Studio
One of CivilNet’s income streams is CivilNet Studio, which provides media production services to various organizations and institutions. CivilNet Studio’s production is unrelated to CivilNet’s content, and CivilNet is not responsible for products CivilNet Studio produces for others.
CivilNet Studio does not provide services to organizations, groups, and individuals whose positions and approaches conflict with CivilNet’s mission and values.
Income generated as a result of CivilNet Studio’s activities can be directed only to the implementation of the statutory goals of CivilNet’s parent organization, the Civilitas Foundation.
About advertising
One of CivilNet’s sources of income is advertising. Our relationships with advertisers cannot in any way limit or influence our operations and editorial decisions, including the publication of advertisements.
We do not post advertisements that contradict our values.
We reject advertising of gambling and alcohol and tobacco products. This list can be changed or updated at our discretion.
Accuracy and fact-checking
We strive to report accurate and verified information. We check facts with credible sources before publishing. We correct any errors quickly and transparently.
The fight against fake news is one of the important components of our activities. Our fact-checking department, #CivilNetCheck, counters misinformation on a daily basis.
Sensationalism
We avoid sensationalism, and we do not add unnecessary hype to our content, headlines, and social media posts. For us, the audience’s trust is more important than the number of clicks or views.
Plagiarism and citing other sources
We denounce plagiarism. When using other sources or other people’s materials, we must provide proper citations, respecting others’ work.
Conflict of interest
In our activities, we avoid conflicts of interest that could affect our content’s impartiality or perceptions of impartiality. We avoid covering topics where there is a substantial conflict of interest.
We clearly separate news, analysis, and opinion.
Minors and vulnerable individuals
We are sensitive and cautious when covering issues involving minors or vulnerable persons. We do not use terms that may be inappropriate or offensive to them.
Social responsibility
We are socially responsible for our content and practices. We strive to contribute to positive social change.
Professional development
We give our team members the opportunity to continuously learn and teach. Education, including self-education, is an important incentive for us to achieve development and excellence. We continuously strive to invest in the development and training of our employees. We continue to follow and learn from the experience and know-how of leading international media organizations.