Editorial Policy – New Democracy

New Democracy is an independent media-news website committed to accurate, fair, and public-interest journalism. This Editorial Policy explains how we choose stories, verify information, handle sources, and distinguish news from opinion and sponsored material.

1) Our mission

We publish reporting, analysis, explainers, interviews, and opinion that help readers understand events, policies, and power both locally and globally with clarity, context, and accountability.

2) Editorial independence

Our editorial decisions are not dictated by advertisers, sponsors, donors, political parties, governments, or any outside group.

Advertising and sponsorship do not buy favorable coverage.
We do not allow “pay-for-play” journalism.
If an advertiser or sponsor is connected to a story, we take extra care to maintain independence and fairness.

3) What we publish

We publish content in clearly labeled formats:

News / Reporting: fact-based coverage built on verification and sourcing
Analysis / Explainers: interpretation based on reporting, data, and evidence
Opinion / Editorial: viewpoints and arguments (may reflect the author’s perspective)
Sponsored / Advertising: paid content clearly labeled (see Section 9)

4) Accuracy and verification standards

We aim to be accurate, clear, and complete.

We verify claims using primary sources when possible (documents, official records, direct interviews).
We cross-check with multiple credible sources when facts are disputed or high-stakes.
We correct mistakes transparently (see our Ethics and Corrections Policy).

5) Sources, attribution, and anonymous sourcing

We attribute quotes, data, images, and claims to their original sources when possible.
We may use anonymous sources only when:
- the information is in the public interest,
- the source may face harm or retaliation,
- and the information is corroborated where possible.
We describe anonymous sources as specifically as we safely can (e.g., “a public official familiar with…”).

6) Fairness and right of reply

We seek to represent people and institutions fairly and in context.
For serious allegations, we make reasonable efforts to contact the subject(s) for comment before publication.
If a response comes after publication, we update the story and note the update.

7) Corrections and updates

We correct factual errors promptly and transparently.
For developing stories, we may publish early verified details and update clearly as information changes.
Significant corrections include a visible correction note with date/time and what changed.

8) Conflicts of interest

Editors and contributors must disclose relevant conflicts, including:

financial interests,
political or organizational affiliations,
close personal relationships relevant to coverage,
paid consulting or advocacy.
When relevant, we publish disclosures on the article page.

9) Advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate links

New Democracy may earn revenue through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate links.

Advertising

Ads are clearly separated from editorial content.
Advertisers do not influence editorial decisions.

Affiliate links

Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you purchase.
We label affiliate relationships clearly (e.g., “This post may contain affiliate links”).
Affiliate relationships do not dictate our editorial conclusions or recommendations.

10) Opinion policy

Opinion pieces must be based on reasonable argument and (where applicable) verifiable facts.
We do not publish opinion that promotes violence, hatred, or dehumanization.
Opinion writers may hold strong views; however, we still require basic factual accuracy. Material factual errors are corrected.

11) Community standards (comments/user submissions)

We welcome debate, but we may moderate/remove content that includes:

harassment, hate, or threats,
doxxing or private personal information,
spam or impersonation,
incitement to violence.