Our Mission
At Aevum News, we believe that journalism is a public trust. In an era of information overload and algorithmic manipulation, we remain committed to a simple truth: accuracy matters, context is essential, and the audience deserves transparency.
Our Code of Ethics applies to all employees, freelancers, contractors, and contributors. It is not merely a compliance document—it is the living framework that guides our editorial judgment every day.
Commitment to Public Accountability
We invite readers, subjects of our reporting, and fellow journalists to hold us accountable. If we fall short of these standards, we correct it openly and promptly.
Core Principles
Every decision in the newsroom is filtered through these foundational values:
Fairness & Balance
We present multiple perspectives on contentious issues. We avoid loaded language and give subjects the opportunity to respond before publication.
Accuracy & Verification
Every fact is verified against primary sources. We correct errors prominently. "Close enough" is never acceptable.
Independence
Our reporting is free from corporate, political, or personal influence. We never accept advertising in editorial content.
Humanity
We treat all individuals with respect, especially victims of violence or tragedy. We minimize harm while fulfilling the public's right to know.
Transparency
We disclose funding, conflicts, and methods. When we use undercover reporting or AI tools, we explain how and why.
Global Responsibility
As a global publication, we respect cultural contexts while upholding universal journalistic standards and human rights.
Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest occurs when personal, financial, or professional relationships could compromise—or appear to compromise—journalistic independence.
Disclosure Requirements
- Journalists must disclose any personal relationships with subjects, sources, or organizations they cover.
- Financial holdings (stocks, investments, real estate) relevant to beat coverage must be reported to the Editorial Board.
- Staff are prohibited from covering stories involving family members, close friends, or romantic partners.
Restrictions
- Employees may not hold board positions for organizations they cover.
- We do not accept paid "edit tours" or sponsored travel from entities in our coverage scope.
- Aevum News staff may not engage in outside business ventures that intersect with their editorial duties.
Corrections Policy
We strive for accuracy, but mistakes happen. When they do, we correct them with transparency and speed.
| Correction Type | Process | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Substantial Error Misidentification, factual inaccuracy that changes meaning |
Immediate correction by editor-in-chief. Public statement if needed. | Top of original article. Dedicated Corrections page. Push notification if viral. |
| Minor Error Typos, misspellings, non-impactful details |
Corrected in article. Logged in internal corrections database. | Inline correction note at bottom of article. |
| Omission Important context missing |
Added to article with timestamp. Explanation of why it was omitted. | Integrated into article with clear labeling. |
Corrections are permanent. We do not silently edit published stories. All corrections are archived and searchable.
Requesting a Correction
If you believe we published an error, contact us at corrections@aevumnews.com. We review all requests within 24 hours.
Sources & Privacy
Anonymous Sources
We use anonymous sources only when necessary and when the information is newsworthy. Requirements include:
- Editorial approval from at least two senior editors.
- Verification of the source's firsthand knowledge.
- Clear explanation to readers why anonymity is needed.
- Avoiding reliance on anonymous sources for major allegations when possible.
Source Protection
We protect confidential sources to the fullest extent of the law. We do not surrender unpublished source materials without a court order and will appeal such orders when feasible.
Privacy & Harm Minimization
We balance the public's right to know against an individual's right to privacy. We generally refrain from publishing:
- Names of sexual assault victims.
- Images of deceased individuals in sensitive contexts.
- Private information unrelated to the public interest.
AI & Digital Integrity
As technology evolves, so must our standards. Aevum News embraces AI tools responsibly while maintaining human editorial control.
AI Usage Disclosure
Articles that use AI for data analysis, summarization, or image generation will be clearly labeled. AI does not make editorial decisions.
Guidelines
- No Automated Journalism: All news stories are written and edited by human journalists.
- Data Integrity: AI-generated insights must be verified against primary sources before publication.
- Image Policy: AI-generated or heavily manipulated images are prohibited in news photography. Illustrations using AI must be labeled.
- Reader Tools: AI chatbots assisting readers will clearly identify themselves as artificial intelligence.
- Deepfake Vigilance: We maintain a dedicated team to verify and debunk AI-generated disinformation.
Opinion vs. News
We maintain a strict separation between news reporting and opinion content.
- News: Strive for neutrality, present multiple viewpoints, and attribute claims.
- Opinion/Analysis: Clearly labeled. May express viewpoints but must be grounded in facts. Opinion writers must disclose conflicts of interest.
- Guest Columns: Subject to editorial review for accuracy and libel, but we do not censor viewpoint.
- Letters to Editor: Subject to selection criteria for relevance, civility, and originality.
Gifts & Honoraria
To prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest:
- Journalists may not accept gifts, cash, or valuable items from sources, publicists, or subjects.
- Nominal items (press passes, promotional pens, food at events) are permitted.
- Speaking honoraria are discouraged. If accepted, proceeds must be donated to charity and disclosed.
- We do not accept "pay-to-play" arrangements or sponsored content in news sections.
Accountability
This code is enforced by the Aevum News Editorial Board and the independent Reader Advocacy Office.
Internal Process
- All staff complete ethics training annually.
- Editorial meetings include ethics reviews for sensitive stories.
- Violations of this code may result in editorial correction, reassignment, or termination.
External Oversight
The Reader Advocacy Office reviews complaints from the public. They operate independently from the editorial team and report findings to the board.
Report an Ethics Concern
If you believe Aevum News or its staff has violated this Code of Ethics, we encourage you to report it. All reports are reviewed confidentially within 48 hours.
Contact the Ethics Board
For urgent matters, email ethics@aevumnews.com. For general inquiries, use the form below.
Whistleblower Protection
Aevum News protects individuals who report ethical violations in good faith. Retaliation against reporters is strictly prohibited and grounds for disciplinary action.