Ethics Policy

Our Commitment

Knelstrom is committed to publishing journalism that is honest, independent and conducted in the public interest.

This Ethics Policy sets out the principles that guide our editorial decisions and complements our Editorial Standards, Corrections Policy and Right of Reply.

Ethical journalism requires more than simply reporting facts. It also requires fairness, accountability, transparency and respect for the people affected by our reporting.

Editorial Independence

Knelstrom is published independently by Knelstrom Ltd.

Editorial decisions are made solely based on newsworthiness, evidence and the public interest.

We do not allow advertisers, sponsors, political organisations or commercial partners to influence our editorial content.

Accuracy and Truthfulness

We strive to ensure that published information is accurate at the time of publication.

Where practical, factual claims are verified using reliable and, wherever possible, primary sources.

If significant factual errors are identified, they will be corrected in accordance with our Corrections Policy.

Fairness

We aim to report fairly and responsibly.

Where appropriate, individuals and organisations who are the subject of significant criticism or allegations will be given a reasonable opportunity to comment before publication.

Fairness does not require false balance, but it does require honest representation of relevant facts and viewpoints.

Public Interest

Editorial decisions are guided by the public interest rather than public curiosity.

Factors that may justify publication include:

  • exposing wrongdoing;
  • promoting transparency and accountability;
  • protecting public safety;
  • informing democratic debate;
  • explaining matters of public importance.

The existence of public interest does not remove the responsibility to report accurately and fairly.

Separation of News and Opinion

Knelstrom clearly distinguishes between different types of content.

  • Newswire publishes factual reporting and evidence-based analysis.
  • Dispatches contains opinion and commentary.
  • Chronicles publishes long-form features, books and documentary projects.

Readers should always be able to distinguish reporting from opinion.

Sources

We prefer primary sources wherever reasonably practical.

These may include:

  • legislation;
  • parliamentary publications;
  • official reports;
  • court judgments;
  • public records;
  • interviews;
  • official statistics.

Anonymous sources may be used only where there is a legitimate public interest and where revealing the source could expose them to harm or retaliation.

Where anonymity is granted, the Editor will normally know the identity of the source unless exceptional circumstances make this impossible.

Conflicts of Interest

Personal, financial or political interests should not influence editorial decisions.

Where a genuine conflict of interest exists, we will take reasonable steps to manage it appropriately.

Commercial relationships will not determine editorial coverage.

Gifts and Hospitality

Knelstrom does not accept gifts, hospitality or other benefits that could reasonably be perceived as influencing editorial judgement.

Modest hospitality associated with legitimate journalistic activity may be accepted where appropriate, provided it does not compromise editorial independence.

Sponsored Content and Advertising

Advertising and editorial content must remain clearly separated.

Sponsored content, paid partnerships or promotional material will be clearly identified so that readers can distinguish it from independent editorial content.

Commercial arrangements do not guarantee editorial coverage.

Privacy

We recognise that individuals have a legitimate expectation of privacy.

When reporting on private individuals, we seek to balance privacy rights against the public interest.

Special care is taken where reporting involves children or vulnerable individuals.

Respect and Dignity

We aim to treat interviewees, sources and members of the public with courtesy and respect.

We seek to avoid unnecessary intrusion, harassment or sensationalism.

Reporting should contribute to public understanding rather than exploit personal tragedy or distress.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence may assist with aspects of our editorial workflow.

AI does not replace editorial judgement.

A human editor reviews all published content, and responsibility for publication remains with the Editor.

Further details are available in our AI & Editorial Assistance Policy.

Corrections and Accountability

Journalism depends upon accountability.

Where significant factual errors occur, we will acknowledge and correct them openly in accordance with our Corrections Policy.

We also provide a Right of Reply and operate a published Complaints Procedure to ensure that concerns are considered fairly.

Continuous Improvement

Editorial standards evolve alongside journalism, technology and society.

We regularly review our policies and publishing practices to ensure they remain consistent with our commitment to responsible, independent journalism.

Our Ethical Principles

The following principles guide everything published by Knelstrom:

  • Independence.
  • Accuracy.
  • Fairness.
  • Transparency.
  • Accountability.
  • Respect.
  • Evidence-based reporting.
  • Clear distinction between news and opinion.
  • Editorial integrity.
  • Service to the public interest.

These principles underpin every editorial decision made by Knelstrom and reflect our commitment to responsible, independent journalism.