Editorial Standards

Our Commitment

Nexpher Images is committed to the highest standards of journalism and visual storytelling. Our editorial standards guide every aspect of our work, from capturing images to distributing content to media organizations and publishers worldwide.

These standards ensure our content is accurate, fair, balanced, and maintains the trust of our audience and clients. Accuracy always takes precedence over speed.

Core Principles

Image Integrity Standards

Editorial photographs must reflect reality. We aim for the highest aesthetic quality, but our goal is not to artistically reinterpret the news. No action in visual journalism should add to or detract from what was in front of the lens. We use only a tiny part of image-editing software: to format, crop, size, and balance tone and colour.

Acceptable Adjustments

Default minimal processing (Staff Photographers and Stringers, and anyone under an imposed camera-direct JPEG/HEIF rule):

• Cropping to improve composition while maintaining context
• Sizing and resolution set for wire delivery (typically 300 dpi framing)
• Basic levels adjusted only to the start points of the histogram on shadows and highlights (not Auto Levels)

Approved technical processing (only when chief photographers, senior photographers, or the newsdesk have granted processing privileges): minor colour balance and exposure correction, contrast and global sharpening within the Technical Processing Guidelines below, careful burn/lasso within those limits, and other minor adjustments that do not change content. Colour, sharpening, burn/lasso, and similar non-AI work otherwise go to the desk on calibrated screens. Sensor dust removal is desk-only. AI image tools, including AI denoise, are banned (see below).

Nexpher Contributors are not under the Staff/Stringer camera-direct default (see File Submission), but when they process files they must stay within integrity rules. If the desk has not imposed JPEG-only limits, Contributors may use Acceptable Adjustments consistent with any privileges set for them; Prohibited Alterations still apply in full.

Processing Privileges, General Rule

Staff Photographers and Stringers default to restricted processing: camera-direct JPEG/HEIF deliverables with default minimal processing only. Chief photographers, senior photographers, and the newsdesk may grant fuller processing privileges, or further limit or withdraw them, for an assignment, a defined period, or on an ongoing basis.

Nexpher Contributors are not under that camera-direct / minimal-processing default. Chief and senior photographers and the newsdesk may impose the same JPEG/HEIF and restricted-processing conditions on a Contributor whose work is filed through our newsdesk, for an assignment, period, or ongoing.

• No photographer, Staff, Stringer, or Nexpher Contributor, may exceed the processing privileges authorized for them
• Both Staff and Stringers may receive approval to use technical processing tools within these guidelines; approval is recorded by the newsdesk
• Where possible, complex adjustments should be performed or approved by the desk rather than improvised in the field
• File-format conditions (including camera-direct JPEG/HEIF) are part of these privileges, see File Submission
• Processing privileges never authorize prohibited alterations. Integrity bans apply equally to Staff, Stringers, and Contributors

Prohibited Alterations

Materially altering a picture in generative AI or any other image-editing software is grounds for discipline, up to and including dismissal or termination of assignment. The following are forbidden regardless of processing privileges:

• Adding, removing, or moving elements within the frame
• Cloning, healing, airbrushing, painting, or erasing content (sensor dust removal is the only narrow exception, and is desk-only)
• Excessive lightening, darkening, blurring, or colour manipulation that disguises elements or dramatically changes lighting conditions
• Selective-area sharpening, auto-levels as a substitute for careful work, or third-party sharpening plugins
• Undeclared composites that combine multiple frames as if they were a single news moment; progression composites (for example a lunar eclipse or time-lapse sequence) are allowed only when the technique is clearly stated in the caption and flagged to the desk before transmission
• Generative AI or AI post-production that creates, synthesizes, or invents content (see AI Image Tools, Blanket Ban below)
• Altering the content in ways that deceive viewers or misrepresent the scene

Field vs Desk Processing

• Under the Staff/Stringer default (or any imposed JPEG rule), field work is crop, size, and basic levels only, especially from laptops
• Ask the newsdesk to perform further lightening, darkening, sharpening, dust removal, and colour correction on calibrated screens, unless you have been granted privileges for non-AI processing yourself. Dust removal remains desk-only even when other privileges are granted
• When privileges have been granted and conditions are good, further minor processing within the Technical Processing Guidelines may be acceptable: basic colour correction, subtle zonal lightening/darkening, sharpening, and other minor non-AI adjustments that do not change content
• Photographers may recommend adjustments to the desk (for example, lighten a face or lift shadows); good communication with the desk is essential
• Understand the limits of laptop screens and field working conditions before pushing aggressive corrections
• Multiple-exposure or specialty-technique images must be clearly identified in the caption and drawn to the desk's attention before transmission

Technical Processing Guidelines

These settings apply when processing privileges have been granted, or when the desk performs the work. Under the Staff/Stringer default (or an imposed JPEG rule), photographers stay at crop, size, and basic levels unless approved otherwise. Duty editors can answer questions about tools not listed here.

Allowed

• Cropping and sizing
• Levels adjusted to histogram limits on shadows and highlights (not Auto Levels)
• Minor colour correction; keep Colour Balance adjustments minimal on laptop screens
• Global sharpening in approved processing software at approximately 300%, radius 0.3, threshold 0, after in-camera sharpening is set to zero
• Subtle use of the burn tool to darken overexposed areas; when burning shadows, everything visible in the original / RAW must remain visible
• Careful use of the lasso for zonal tone work, typically with feathering between 5 and 20 pixels depending on the zone; avoid halos and jagged edges. Prefer the desk for this work, and do not use the lasso when filing from a laptop under poor conditions
• Highlights and shadows may be toned with a selective highlights approach (feather about 25–30) and careful curves adjustment, preferably by the desk
• Eye dropper on a neutral grey area to check or set colour, subject to screen quality

Not allowed

• Additions or deletions to image content
• Cloning, healing, or brush tools (desk-only sensor dust removal is the sole exception, and not for photographers)
• Any AI image tool, including AI denoise, AI enhance, Generative Fill/Expand, or AI object remove
• Airbrush, paint, eraser, or Quick Mask used to alter content
• Selective-area sharpening
• Excessive lightening, darkening, blurring, or colour-tone change
• Auto Levels as a shortcut
• Saturation used as a primary correction (prefer levels / colour balance)
• Third-party sharpening plugins
• In-camera sharpening left on, or in-camera saturation / picture styles that exaggerate colour

Sensor Dust Removal

Sensor dust removal is the single narrow exception to the ban on cloning, healing, and brush tools. It exists only to clear marks from the sensor, never to remove objects, people, weather, damage, or any other content in the scene. Dust removal is desk-only. Photographers, stringers, and contributors must not perform dust removal in the field or on personal machines; request it from the newsdesk.

• Only the newsdesk may perform dust removal, on calibrated, high-resolution screens under good working conditions
• Desk dust work uses the clone tool only below a 100-pixel radius setting, and only on true sensor dust, never AI remove/heal tools
• Processing privileges never authorize a photographer to remove dust themselves
• Claiming "dust removal" does not excuse content changes. Misuse is treated as image manipulation

Noise Reduction / Denoise

AI denoise and AI enhance tools are banned for editorial news files (including Lightroom AI Denoise / AI Enhance and similar features in other apps). Conventional (non-AI) noise reduction is not part of default minimal processing; leave it to the desk, or use it only if expressly covered by granted processing privileges and it does not invent detail or disguise content. When unsure, do not denoise.

Camera Settings

• Set in-camera sharpening to zero (0); sharpen later in approved processing within the limits above
• Keep picture style / saturation at a standard setting; do not use in-camera saturation styles that exaggerate colour
• Adobe RGB is the preferred colour-space standard where the workflow supports it
• Multiple-exposure pictures and specialty techniques (for example soft focus, zooming during exposure, tilt-shift used for effect) must be clearly identified in the caption and drawn to the desk's attention before transmission

AI Image Tools, Blanket Ban

Editorial images must be captured by a camera operated by a photographer. We do not create, synthesize, or publish AI-generated news imagery. There is a blanket ban on AI tools used on the pixels of editorial news files. No processing privilege authorizes AI image tools.

• Forbidden for editorial news files, including but not limited to: Generative Fill / Generative Expand; AI object-remove / AI heal; AI denoise and AI enhance (including Lightroom AI Denoise / Enhance and equivalents); text-to-image or image-to-image generators; face or body neural rewrites; AI sky replacement; AI upscalers that fabricate detail; and any similar AI feature that invents, invents over, or rewrites image content
• Content-aware and heal-style tools remain under the same ban as cloning, except for true sensor-dust removal performed by the desk as described above
• Do not upload editorial imagery or RAW files to third-party AI or cloud editors that alter or exfiltrate content
• AI may assist caption transcription, translation, or tagging only with human review and verification; it never authorizes pixel alteration
• Limited retouching consistent with established portrait practice may be used only where it does not alter the factual representation of the subject or scene, and never via AI tools
• Product search, tagging, and translation features are described separately in our Nexpher AI Policy; photographer editing rules on this page control for image integrity

Consequences for Manipulation

Material alteration of an editorial image, whether by image-editing software, generative AI, or any other means, is treated as a serious breach of trust.

• Immediate discipline up to dismissal, or end of assignment / contributor relationship
• Kill or withdrawal of the affected image(s), with explanation to customers under our Corrections Policy
• Newsdesk and picture leadership may withdraw additional images from that photographer's Nexpher file when integrity cannot be assured, up to full-archive removal from distribution
• Processing privileges may be revoked or restricted; future submissions may be forced to camera-direct JPEG/HEIF only

File Submission Standards

File requirements protect authenticity, limit post-capture reinterpretation, and help get imagery to customers quickly. Staff Photographers and Stringers share the same camera-direct default. Nexpher Contributors do not, unless the desk imposes it.

Staff Photographers and Stringers (default)

Staff Photographers and Stringers must, by default, submit camera-original still files written by the camera at the moment of capture, typically JPEG, or HEIF when that is the camera's native still format.

• Only default minimal processing is allowed on the camera JPEG/HEIF: crop, size, and basic levels, unless processing privileges have been granted
• Do not submit images that were developed, converted, or heavily adjusted from RAW
• The newsdesk may reject or remove non-compliant files and may request the original camera file for verification
• Retaining a personal RAW archive is permitted; RAW must not be the submitted deliverable unless an editor has waived the JPEG rule
• Staff Photographers must still preserve original camera files for verification, including RAW where captured, or the camera's original JPEG/HEIF when RAW was not recorded, even while submitting camera-direct deliverables

Nexpher Contributors (default)

Nexpher Contributors are not under the Staff/Stringer camera-direct JPEG/HEIF default. By default they may submit files processed within Acceptable Adjustments and any privileges set for them, and must preserve original camera files for verification (RAW where captured, or the camera's original JPEG/HEIF when RAW was not recorded). Prohibited Alterations and generative AI bans apply in full.

Chief photographers, senior photographers, and the newsdesk may impose camera-direct JPEG/HEIF and/or restricted-processing conditions on a Contributor for an assignment, a defined period, or on an ongoing basis. When that rule is in force, the Contributor follows the same deliverable and minimal-processing limits as Staff and Stringers.

Editorial Discretion

Chief photographers, senior photographers, and the newsdesk control file-format conditions and processing limits. Decisions may cover a specific assignment, a defined period, or an ongoing basis, and must be notified to the photographer and recorded by the newsdesk.

• Grant privileges (Staff or Stringer): Allow listed technical processing within Image Integrity, and, only when expressly stated, a RAW-derived export for a defined submission or period
• Grant privileges (Contributor): When useful, allow the same listed technical processing (and, only when expressly stated, RAW-derived export) under clear instructions
• Impose on Contributor: Require camera-direct JPEG/HEIF only and/or restrict processing (for example after integrity concerns, for breaking-news speed, training, or as a condition of continued assignment)
• Tighten / revoke (Staff or Stringer): Pull back to the camera-direct default or further restrict processing
• Waive JPEG rule: Temporarily waive the Staff/Stringer default (or an imposed Contributor JPEG rule) in exceptional cases (for example when a camera cannot write a usable still JPEG/HEIF, or when a verified original RAW is required for forensic review), with clear instructions on what may be submitted
• A waiver or privilege grant never authorizes prohibited alterations (adding, removing, or moving content, staging, or other deception)
• When the JPEG rule is in force for a photographer, non-compliant files may be rejected or removed regardless of classification

All Classifications

• Do not fabricate, stage, or direct editorial scenes
• Do not upload editorial imagery or RAW files to unapproved third-party AI or cloud editors that alter or exfiltrate content
• Generative AI and AI post-production bans for photographers are in Image Integrity above; product search and tagging rules are in our Nexpher AI Policy

Staging, Set-ups, and Photo Opportunities

News photography must depict reality. Staff, Stringers, and Nexpher Contributors must not stage or re-enact news events. They may not direct subjects, or add, remove, or move objects, on a news assignment. Any attempt to alter that reality is fabrication and can lead to discipline, including dismissal or loss of assignment privileges.

When Direction Is Allowed

• Photographers may direct subjects for portraits, formal interviews, and non-news feature images needed to illustrate a story
• The caption must not mislead readers into believing directed images are spontaneous news moments
• Specialty lenses or techniques (for example soft focus, tilt-shift, or zoom blur) used for portraiture or features must be disclosed in the caption when they materially affect how the image is read
• Composite or multiple-exposure progressions (for example time-lapse or eclipse sequences) must name the technique in the caption they are not acceptable as undeclared news assignment images

Media Presence and Photo Ops

• The presence of cameras can influence how people behave. When behaviour shown is the result of media presence, say so in the caption
• If other media orchestrate or set up a scene, it is still a set-up for our purposes, disclose it
• Be as unobtrusive as possible on news assignments consider longer lenses when appropriate
• Artificial poses at product launches, awards, sports victory ceremonies, or similar photo opportunities should be captioned so readers understand the action is not a spontaneous news moment
• Images of subjects performing for cameras during demonstrations or unrest should be used sparingly and clearly captioned

Controlled or Escorted Access

Some photographs are taken under controlled conditions, especially in conflict zones or countries where media movement is restricted. Captions must state when an image was made during an organised or escorted visit, unless the photographer was truly free to work independently. A short second sentence is usually enough.

Caption Standards

Just as photographs must reflect reality, so must captions. Captions must be accurate, neutral, and complete. Full writing rules, formula, names, dates, numbers, labels, and examples, are in the Nexpher Style Guide.

• First sentence follows Nexpher Style order: what is in the image, then date, then location add a second sentence for context when needed
• State only what you can verify or what is visible, no off-camera guesses or mind-reading
• Source contentious facts (death tolls, blame, disputed claims)
• Disclose handouts, FILE photos, staging, escorted access, illustrations, and similar special circumstances
• Photographers must remain reachable until their work is published so the desk can clarify captions

Credit & Attribution Standards

Proper credit is essential for maintaining trust, recognizing creators, and ensuring transparency about the source of content. Customers rely on honest attribution to assess reliability.

Credit Line Format

All images include a credit line in the following format:

Credit Requirements

• Photographer's name must always be included in metadata and visible credit
• Credit must appear with the image whenever published
• Credit cannot be cropped, covered, or obscured
• Photographer's byline must match their official name on file
• Copyright ownership is clearly indicated (Nexpher Images retains rights)
• It is insufficient to label material only as "handout", identify the source organization

When to Update Credits

• If photographer's name was initially unavailable
• If identity was incorrect due to error
• Never to remove credit after initial publication

Photographer Classifications

Nexpher Images works with photographers under different arrangements. These classifications clarify rights, responsibilities, and attribution. Titles appear in the Credit section of each image and video.

All Content Must:

• Adhere to Nexpher Images editorial standards and ethics
• Provide accurate captions and metadata
• Staff and Nexpher Contributors (default): deliver unmanipulated original camera files when requested (RAW where captured, or camera JPEG/HEIF), unless an editor has applied the camera-direct JPEG/HEIF rule
• Stringers (default): submit only camera-direct JPEG/HEIF do not submit RAW-derived files, unless an editor has waived the rule
• Comply with any editor-applied or editor-waived file-format condition notified by the newsdesk
• Obtain necessary permissions and releases
• Disclose any conflicts of interest

Labeling & Source Attribution Standards

Transparency about the source and nature of content is essential for maintaining credibility and meeting audience expectations.

Third-Party Content

When distributing content not originally created by Nexpher Images photographers (Staff, Stringer, or Nexpher Contributor), source labeling is required. Content from third-party partners that does not go through our newsdesk must carry the disclaimer below. Nexpher Contributor content goes through the newsdesk and does not carry this disclaimer.

Commissioned Assignments

When Nexpher Images photographers are commissioned by external organizations:

File Photos

When using archive images for current stories:

• Begin caption with "FILE PHOTO -" at the front
• Include date of original photograph in the first sentence
• Include date of publish/reuse in the second sentence when needed
• Maintain original photographer credit
• Explain in caption why the file photo is being used when context requires it

Verification and Fact-Checking

All content undergoes rigorous verification:

• Location, date, and time verification using metadata and independent sources
• Identity verification of subjects and sources
• Context verification to ensure accurate representation
• Caption accuracy checked against photographer notes and available information
• Review by experienced editors before publication
• Staff and Nexpher Contributors (default): original camera files maintained for verification (RAW where captured, or the camera's original JPEG/HEIF), or the camera-direct JPEG/HEIF if an editor has applied that rule
• Stringers (default): verification is against the submitted camera-direct JPEG/HEIF, RAW-derived exports are not an acceptable verification source unless an editor has waived the rule
• Online or social-sourced claims require the same sourcing and verification standards as any other newsgathering

Freedom from Bias

Impartiality is central to our reputation. We cover events so customers can see what happened, not to advance a side in a dispute. Photographers and editors park personal politics at the door when working for Nexpher Images.

Take No Side, Tell All Sides

• Do not identify with any side in a conflict, dispute, or campaign in our editorial work
• Seek fair comment and representation of relevant parties when covering contested events
• Allegations must not be portrayed as fact, charges are not a finding of guilt
• Give subjects of serious allegations a fair opportunity to respond when practicable

Language and Framing

• Avoid loaded verbs and framing that imply editorial judgment in captions
• Do not inject unattributed opinion into captions, credits, or agency social posts
• Avoid stereotypes and gratuitous references to identity, appearance, or attire
• Be precise: do not sensationalize scale, emotion, or outcome beyond what is verified

Opinion vs. News

Nexpher Images editorial imagery and captions are fact-based news products. Personal commentary does not belong in news captions, credits, or official Nexpher channels. Clearly labeled opinion or analysis products, if any, must remain distinct from the editorial news file.

Staff and Stringer Social Media Conduct

The full social media conduct rules below apply to Staff Photographers and Stringers. Social media does not change their relationship with Nexpher Images or their duty of impartiality, including when interviewing, covering assignments, or presenting themselves as Nexpher photographers. Assume that professional and personal activity online may be treated as one; privacy settings are not a guarantee. Nothing posted online should damage our reputation for independence and freedom from bias.

Core Rules

• The same accuracy, verification, and impartiality standards apply online as on the wire
• Prefer separate professional and personal accounts when using platforms for work
• When posting as a Nexpher journalist or photographer, identify your affiliation; if expressing personal views, state clearly that they are your own, and still avoid content that undermines impartiality
• Do not post unverified claims, rumors presented as fact, or scoops ahead of the newsdesk
• Do not use social media to disparage Nexpher Images, colleagues, customers, or sources in ways that breach professional standards
• Think before liking, following, joining groups, or adding badges that imply support for one side of a debate on your beat
• Managers and senior editors may review professional social output; violations may lead to reassignment, loss of assignment privileges, or other discipline
• Corrections that apply to published content must also be applied across social platforms where we posted the material

Think Before You Post

• Ask how a post would read if cited as Nexpher Images' comment on a story
• Resist responding in anger to critics or bad-faith interlocutors
• Sharing a link can be read as endorsement; apply the same critical judgment you would to a caption
• Do not reveal confidential sources, unpublished material, or internal editorial deliberations

Political and Community Activity Online

Outside work, Staff and Stringers retain ordinary civic rights, including voting. Public partisan advocacy, campaign donations that appear on the public record, petitions, or demonstrations can create a perception of bias. When in doubt, consult an editor. If a conflict of perception arises, Nexpher may require a change of assignment.

Nexpher Contributors

Nexpher Contributors are not under the full Staff and Stringer social media code above. We do not police Contributors' personal social media as a condition of filing.

• Do not claim to be a Staff Photographer, Stringer, or spokesperson for Nexpher Images, and do not speak for the agency, unless expressly authorized
• If you identify as a Nexpher Contributor or use Nexpher branding or credit, do not misrepresent the relationship
• Do not publish unpublished Nexpher material or scoops from Nexpher assignments ahead of the newsdesk
• Integrity of imagery filed to Nexpher remains governed by Image Integrity and File Submission, regardless of social media activity

User-Generated Content

Rules for verifying and labeling social or user-generated imagery used in our file are set out under Labeling Standards. Staff and Stringer conduct rules above apply to how those photographers behave online; labeling rules apply to how we credit third-party social material.

Gifts, Hospitality, and Outside Work

Independence requires that we avoid conflicts, and the appearance of conflicts, with sources, subjects, and commercial partners.

Gifts and Entertainment

• Do not accept payment, gifts, services, or benefits from a news source or contact that could influence coverage
• Decline gifts of more than nominal value if refusal is impossible, surrender the gift to a manager
• Newsworthy working meals may be acceptable when reasonable do not accept junkets or entertainment with little news value paid for by a source
• Under no circumstances take or offer payment for a news story or preferential access

Travel and Access

• Our standard position is that we pay our own way and arrange our own travel
• If free transport or accommodation is the only practical way to reach a story, obtain editor approval first and reimburse commercial-equivalent costs when feasible

Outside Work

• Staff must obtain manager approval before paid outside work that overlaps with journalism, photography, speaking, or book projects
• Outside work must not compete with Nexpher assignments or create a conflict with our editorial standards
• Do not use Nexpher credentials, letterhead, or equipment to obtain personal advantages unavailable to the public

Checking Back with Sources

We do not submit images, captions, or packages to sources to vet before publication. We may, on our own initiative, check a fact or quote for accuracy, without giving sources an opportunity to retract or materially alter information to their advantage.

Identifying Ourselves

We do not obtain news by deception. We do not pretend to be someone other than a journalist or to work for another organization. If asked directly, identify yourself as working with Nexpher Images.

Graphic and Sensitive Content

We witness and record scenes that may be violent, distressing, or sexually graphic. We have an obligation to convey reality accurately, and a duty not to cause needless harm or to publish graphic material for shock or titillation.

• There must be a valid news reason to distribute graphic imagery
• Senior editorial approval is required before releasing highly graphic stills or video
• Treat victims and vulnerable people with sensitivity avoid needless pain and offence
• Do not sanitize violence when doing so would misrepresent the event, and do not exaggerate it
• Consider dignity of subjects and different thresholds among customers and markets
• Still captions that may offend or disturb must begin with SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB - (see the Style Guide)
• When distributing graphic video packages, include an appropriate content warning where the format allows

Embargoes, Access, and Pool Coverage

Customers must be able to assess how an image was obtained. Honor access conditions, and disclose material limitations in captions and metadata.

• Honor embargoes and release times, do not publish or tip embargoed material early
• Respect lawful terms of access to events, briefings, and restricted locations
• Follow pool arrangements when access is limited, credit pool coverage clearly
• Disclose escorted, organised, or otherwise controlled access in the caption
• Disclose embargoes, pool status, handout sourcing, and similar limitations so customers can assess the content
• Do not trade unpublished access or imagery for favours that compromise independence

Awards, Competitions, and Media Appearances

We encourage recognition of outstanding work, provided entries and public appearances do not compromise impartiality or independence.

Awards and Competitions

• Submit Nexpher work only to reputable journalism awards judged by journalists or peer professionals, with manager approval
• Do not enter work primarily produced for an award, or alter editorial images solely to suit a contest
• Awards from companies, lobby groups, governments, political parties, or advocacy groups whose criteria are self-serving generally require senior editorial approval before acceptance
• Unsolicited awards and invitations to sit on contest juries as a Nexpher journalist need manager approval

Media Interviews and Speaking

• External interviews or conference speaking about Nexpher coverage require manager approval in advance
• Stick to facts and reported work, do not offer personal opinions that undermine impartiality
• Say nothing that could jeopardise colleagues, reporting access, or our reputation for independence
• Do not seek or accept payment for routine news interviews about our coverage, if payment is received inadvertently, consult a manager
• Moderating or appearing on panels sponsored by companies or advocacy groups needs extra care and senior approval when there is a risk of perceived endorsement

Conflicts of Interest

Our contributors and staff must:

• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest to editors
• Avoid assignments where personal interests may compromise objectivity
• Decline gifts, payments, or favors that could influence coverage
• Maintain clear boundaries between editorial and commercial work
• Disclose romantic or family attachments to news subjects or sources on your beat
• Do not report on or quote immediate family in a way that creates a perception of favoritism
• Do not allow personal investments held by you or your immediate family to influence coverage, avoid trading that creates a conflict with your beat
• Be mindful that political and community activity, online or offline, can create a perception of bias, consult an editor when unsure

Authorities and Unpublished Material

Requests from police, security forces, courts, lawyers, or other authorities for published or unpublished Nexpher content, including photographs, video, captions, notes, or background materials, must be referred to a senior editor and editorial legal counsel.

• Distinguish between published and unpublished material
• We do not voluntarily hand over unpublished material to authorities
• Where appropriate, we will consider lawful challenges to orders or subpoenas seeking unpublished material
• These protections support staff safety and our reputation for independence

Complaints

Complaints about accuracy, fairness, ethics, or conduct, from a source, a customer, a member of the public, or a colleague, must be investigated promptly so corrective action can be taken when warranted.

• Acknowledge complaints that cannot be resolved immediately, then follow up quickly
• Handle complaints at a senior editorial level in the bureau or newsdesk
• Escalate unresolved or serious matters to senior editors
• Respond professionally, hostility rarely helps resolve a legitimate concern
• Errors are corrected under our Corrections Policy

Accountability

We are accountable to our audience and maintain:

• A transparent corrections policy for addressing errors
• Clear channels for feedback and complaints
• Regular training and guidance for all contributors
• Consequences for violations of editorial standards
• Internal reporting of serious incidents, hoaxes, or improper behaviour to supervisors so patterns can be spotted and addressed

Related Policies

For more information, please review:

• Editorial Policy - Comprehensive editorial guidelines
• Style Guide, how to write captions and credits
• Ethics Guidelines - Ethical standards for journalists
• Corrections Policy - How we handle errors
• Nexpher AI - Generative AI and automation rules

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about our editorial standards or wish to report a concern, please contact our editorial team at [email protected]