Our Editorial Policies

Foundational Values

Every article, photograph, and opinion piece published under the Aevum News name adheres to these non-negotiable principles:

• Truth above all. Accuracy is not a goal — it is our baseline. We verify before we publish and correct swiftly when we err.
• Independence. Our editorial judgment is free from political, commercial, or personal influence. We report without fear or favor.
• Impartiality. We present multiple perspectives and let facts, not ideology, drive our reporting.
• Accountability. We answer to our readers. Transparency about our methods and corrections is central to our practice.
• Humanity. We treat every subject of our reporting with dignity, recognizing the impact our journalism can have on individuals and communities.
• Courage. We pursue stories of public importance even when they are difficult, controversial, or unpopular with powerful interests.

Multi-Layer Fact-Checking

Every article published on Aevum News passes through at least two levels of editorial review. Our dedicated fact-checking team cross-references all material with primary sources, official records, and independent experts.

• Primary source verification. We prioritize original documents, official records, and direct observation over second-hand accounts.
• Statistical accuracy. All data and statistics are verified with source documentation and reviewed for proper context and representation.
• Quotation integrity. Direct quotes are verified through audio recordings, transcripts, or written confirmation. Paraphrases accurately reflect the speaker's intent.
• Expert review. Complex technical, scientific, or financial stories are reviewed by subject-matter experts before publication.
• Geolocation and timestamping. All photos and videos are verified for location and date of capture using metadata and cross-referencing.

Breaking News Protocol

In fast-moving situations, we distinguish between confirmed facts and developing information. Breaking news articles are clearly labeled and updated with timestamps as new verified information becomes available.

The Editorial Firewall

Our editorial operations are entirely separate from our commercial divisions. Advertisers, sponsors, and ownership have no influence over editorial content, story selection, or the tone of coverage.

• No advertiser influence. Advertisers cannot pay for editorial content, influence story placement, or request changes to published material.
• Ownership non-interference. Our owners have committed in writing to non-interference in editorial decisions.
• Gift restrictions. Journalists may not accept gifts, travel, hospitality, or other favors from sources or public relations representatives.
• Political neutrality. Aevum News does not endorse political candidates or parties. Our news coverage remains separate from our opinion section.
• Revenue transparency. We disclose our revenue sources and funding structure annually in our transparency report.

Correction Policy

When we publish an error, we follow a structured process to ensure it is corrected appropriately:

• Material errors affecting the substance of a story are corrected immediately, with a correction note prominently displayed at the top and bottom of the article.
• Minor errors (typos, misspellings, minor factual inaccuracies) are corrected without notation unless they affect understanding.
• Clarifications are used when additional context is needed to prevent misunderstanding, without implying an error was made.
• All corrections are logged in our publicly accessible corrections archive, searchable by date and article.

How to Report an Error

Readers can report perceived errors through our website's feedback form or by emailing corrections@aevumnews.com. All reports are reviewed by our Standards Editor within 48 hours.

Disclosure Requirements

• Financial interests. Journalists must disclose any financial holdings in companies or sectors they cover.
• Personal relationships. Personal or family connections to sources, subjects, or organizations under coverage must be disclosed to editors.
• Outside employment. Staff may not engage in outside employment that conflicts with their editorial responsibilities.
• Board memberships. Journalists should not serve on boards of organizations related to their beat.

Recusal Protocol

When a conflict exists or is reasonably perceived, the journalist recuses themselves from the assignment. Their editor is informed, and the story is reassigned. Disclosures and recusals are documented internally and available to the Standards Editor upon request.

Source Attribution Standards

• Naming sources. We make every effort to identify sources by name and relevant credentials.
• Clear attribution. Every claim is attributed to a specific source — never presented as established fact without attribution.
• Context for sources. We explain why a source is qualified to speak on a topic (e.g., "a senior official with direct knowledge of the negotiations").
• Multiple sources. Significant claims are corroborated by at least two independent sources wherever possible.

Anonymous Sources

We recognize that some information can only be obtained from anonymous sources, particularly in investigations involving wrongdoing. However, anonymous sourcing is used sparingly and with strict safeguards:

• Editorial approval required. Anonymous sources require approval from at least two senior editors.
• Identity known to editors. The journalist's editors must know the source's true identity and verify their credentials and access to information.
• Last resort. Anonymity is granted only when the source would face genuine risk of retaliation, legal consequence, or professional damage.
• Clear explanation. We always explain why a source is anonymous and describe their qualifications.

Image Editing Standards

• No manipulation. Photographs may not be digitally altered in any way that changes their factual content. Minor adjustments to exposure, contrast, and cropping are permitted.
• No compositing. Elements may not be added to or removed from photographs. Composite images must be clearly labeled as such.
• Video integrity. Video footage may not be altered to misrepresent events. Editing for length and clarity is acceptable with full transparency about what was omitted.
• Color accuracy. Color balance adjustments should not alter the meaning or emotional impact of an image in a misleading way.

Visual Caption Standards

All images and videos are accompanied by accurate captions that identify subjects, location, date, and photographer. Context that might be missing from the frame is provided in the caption.

Sensitive Imagery

We exercise judgment in publishing graphic or distressing images. The public interest in publishing such images is weighed against the potential harm to victims, their families, and readers. Blurring, cropping, or alternative images may be used when appropriate.

Separation of News and Opinion

• Clear labeling. All opinion, analysis, and editorial content is clearly labeled as such with visual and editorial distinction from news reporting.
• Factual accuracy in opinion. While opinion pieces express personal views, the facts upon which they are based must be accurate and verifiable.
• Newsroom staff restrictions. Journalists who report on a topic may not write opinion pieces on that same topic, to prevent blurring the line between reporting and advocacy.
• Diverse perspectives. We publish a wide range of viewpoints and actively seek contributors with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Guest Contributions

Guest columns and op-eds are reviewed by our opinion editors for factual accuracy, relevance, and adherence to our standards. Bylined guest content represents the views of the author, not Aevum News.

Privacy Standards

• Victims of crime. We treat victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes with particular sensitivity. Identifying information about victims is withheld unless there is an overriding public interest.
• Minors. The identities of minors involved in news stories are protected unless there is a compelling public interest reason to identify them.
• Private individuals. We avoid identifying private individuals who are not themselves newsworthy but are tangentially connected to a story.
• Grief sensitivity. We exercise particular care in stories involving death, tragedy, and personal loss, respecting the grief of families and communities.

Surveillance & Covert Reporting

Covert techniques (hidden cameras, undercover reporting, surveillance) are used only in exceptional circumstances where information is of clear public interest, cannot be obtained by other means, and has been approved by senior editors.

Interview Ethics

• We do not misrepresent ourselves or our purpose in seeking interviews.
• We are clear about whether an interview is on or off the record before it begins.
• We give subjects the opportunity to respond to serious allegations before publication.
• We respect a person's right to decline to be interviewed or photographed.

Platform-Specific Standards

• Social media posts. Posts made on official Aevum News accounts undergo the same editorial review as traditional content. Journalists' personal social media use should not compromise the integrity of our newsroom.
• User-generated content. Content submitted by users (photos, videos, comments) is verified before publication. We moderate comments to maintain a respectful and constructive dialogue.
• Live updates. Live blog posts are reviewed in real-time by editors. Each update is timestamped and attributed.
• Headlines and metadata. Headlines accurately reflect article content. We do not use misleading, sensationalized, or clickbait headlines.
• SEO integrity. Search engine optimization practices never compromise accuracy or clarity. We do not manipulate search results or use deceptive metadata.

Journalist Social Media Conduct

Our journalists may maintain personal social media accounts but are expected to avoid posting content that could undermine public confidence in Aevum News's integrity or create the appearance of bias.

How We Handle Complaints

The Standards Editor's Role

The Standards Editor operates independently from the newsroom's daily editorial operations. They have direct access to the Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Standards Board, and their reports and recommendations are made publicly available.