This Editorial Policy sets the standards that guide our newsroom at Doon Horizon, operated by Doon Horizon News Network Private Limited. It explains how we gather, verify, present, and correct information, and how we maintain independence, fairness, and accountability.
Accuracy and Verification
- Primary sources first: We prioritize official documents, on-the-record statements, data releases, and court/government records.
- Fact checks: Reporters verify names, designations, dates, figures, and context before filing. Editors check headlines, key claims, and visuals.
- Data and visuals: For data-heavy stories, we name sources and, where possible, link to official documents. Charts/infographics must accurately reflect the underlying data.
- Translations: Translations and transliterations are quality-checked to preserve meaning and context.
Independence and Conflicts of Interest
- Editorial independence: Coverage decisions are made without political or commercial influence.
- Disclosures: Any unavoidable conflicts (financial interests, personal relationships, gifts) must be disclosed to editors and, where relevant, to readers.
- Advertiser separation: Advertising, branded, or sponsored content does not influence editorial decisions and is clearly labeled.
Fairness, Balance, and Right to Reply
- Multiple perspectives: We seek relevant, diverse viewpoints, especially in stories involving allegations or contested claims.
- Right to reply: We make reasonable efforts to obtain and reflect responses from parties named in critical reports. If a response arrives after publication, we update the story with a note.
- Respect and sensitivity: We avoid language that stigmatizes or sensationalizes. We protect minors and victims of sensitive crimes unless there is clear, documented consent and legal clearance.
Labelling and Transparency
- Clear labels: We distinguish between News, Analysis, Opinion, Explainer/Guide, and Sponsored content.
- Bylines and timestamps: Each article displays the author’s byline and visible datePublished/dateModified.
- Sources and attribution: We credit original reporting, agencies, and documents. Where licensing permits, we link or name the source.
Use of Agencies, Third‑Party Content, and AI
- Agency material: When using news agency feeds, we add value (context, local impact, utility). We do not publish mere paraphrases. Agency credit is clearly stated.
- Third‑party media: Photos/videos/graphics are used with appropriate rights and credits.
- Automation/AI: We may use tools for research, transcription, translation, or drafting. Human editors review and are responsible for all published content. We do not publish tool‑generated content without editorial oversight.
Harm Minimization and Safety
- Public interest test: We weigh public interest against potential harm, especially in sensitive or developing situations.
- Crime and accidents: We avoid graphic detail; we refrain from publishing unverified identities. We do not disclose personal details that could put people at risk.
- Emergencies and disasters: We prioritize verified information and official advisories; we update as facts evolve.
Corrections, Updates, and Clarifications
- Prompt corrections: Substantive mistakes (names, dates, figures, misquotes) trigger a Correction/Update note stating what changed and when.
- Minor edits: Typos/formatting may be corrected without a note.
- Live coverage: Live blogs carry timestamped updates. For evolving stories, we clearly mark major revisions.
- How to request a correction: Write to harpreetssoni9@gmail.com with the URL, the issue, and supporting material. We respond as soon as possible.
Sourcing Standards and Anonymity
- Source credibility: We assess the track record, evidence, and motives of sources. Documents and data are cross-checked where feasible.
- Anonymous sources: Allowed only when essential to public interest and when identity is known to the editor. We provide as much context as possible without compromising safety.
- Avoiding plagiarism: We do not copy or spin content. Quotations and unique findings are credited.
Photos, Video, and Graphics
- Authenticity: We verify provenance; we disclose when images are illustrative. We do not alter media in ways that mislead.
- Captions and credits: Captions give meaningful context; credits reflect ownership/licensing.
- Sensitive visuals: We avoid distressing imagery unless clearly in the public interest and handled with warnings.
Audience Trust and Feedback
- Transparency: Ownership details, team information, and policies are publicly available on our site.
- Feedback: Readers can write to doonhorizon@gmail.com for general queries and info.doonhorizon@gmail.com for tips.
- Community standards: We moderate user interactions to maintain a civil, safe environment.
Legal and Ethical Compliance
- Laws and guidelines: We follow applicable Indian laws and court orders, and industry codes where relevant.
- Privacy: We respect reasonable expectations of privacy, balancing them with the public’s right to know.
- Copyright: We honor copyrights and licenses, and use excerpts under fair dealing where applicable.
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be updated to reflect evolving standards and practices. Significant changes will be dated and published here.
Last updated: [21 August 2025]
Contact
- Editorial queries: doonhorizon@gmail.com
- Corrections: doonhorizon@gmail.com
- Newsroom tips: harpreetssoni9@gmail.com
- General: info.doonhorizon@gmail.com
