Code of Ethics

Introduction

At The Sunrise State, our primary responsibility is to deliver accurate, fair, and balanced news to the public. Upholding journalistic integrity is at the heart of everything we do. This Code of Ethics outlines the principles, standards, and values that guide our editorial work.

This document draws from the best practices in the media industry, and we acknowledge the influence of The Print and other respected organizations for shaping these standards.

1. Accuracy and Fairness

We are committed to providing accurate and balanced reporting. All news articles, opinions, and analyses must be based on verified facts. Errors, if they occur, must be corrected promptly, transparently, and without hesitation.

Fact-checking: Every piece of content is thoroughly checked for factual correctness. We strive to include all relevant sides of a story and avoid misleading, distorted, or one-sided information.
Transparency: If we make an error, it is our responsibility to correct it clearly and as soon as possible, including adding editor’s notes where necessary.

2. Impartiality and Independence

Our reporting is unbiased and independent of any influence, be it political, commercial, or personal. We maintain a clear distinction between news and opinion. While opinion articles may reflect subjective viewpoints, they should still be grounded in facts and offer a fair representation of the issues at hand.

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Any journalist or editor with a conflict of interest in a story must recuse themselves from its coverage.
Independence from External Influence: We do not accept any external pressure or gifts that could influence our editorial decisions.

3. Accountability

We take responsibility for everything we publish. When mistakes are made, we admit them and make corrections transparently. Furthermore, we remain open to feedback and take reader concerns seriously.

Engaging with Readers: We believe that journalism is a two-way conversation. We encourage dialogue with our readers and are receptive to constructive criticism.
Public Interest: Our journalism is driven by the desire to inform and empower the public, and we uphold the values of honesty and public interest in every story.

4. Ethical Sourcing

We are committed to responsible sourcing of information, ensuring that all content adheres to ethical standards of journalism.

Anonymity: We protect our sources, especially when their identity disclosure may put them at risk.
Verification: No content is published without rigorous fact-checking and verification from multiple credible sources.

5. Empathy and Respect for Human Dignity

We practice journalism with empathy. While reporting on sensitive issues, we treat everyone involved with respect and compassion. We avoid sensationalism, focusing instead on context and depth.

Avoiding Harm: We are mindful of the potential impact our reporting can have on individuals, communities, and society. We strive to avoid unnecessary harm, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals.
Diversity and Representation: We commit to representing a broad range of voices and perspectives, especially those of marginalized and underrepresented communities.

6. Plagiarism and Intellectual Property

We strictly prohibit plagiarism. All ideas, words, and content taken from other sources must be properly credited. We respect the intellectual property rights of other media organizations, writers, and creators.

7. Diversity and Inclusion

The Sunrise State is dedicated to fostering diversity in both our newsroom and our coverage. We are committed to representing different cultures, viewpoints, and communities in a fair and accurate manner.

Inclusive Reporting: We make every effort to include diverse perspectives in our stories and challenge stereotypes where they exist.

Internal Diversity: Our team is encouraged to reflect on and challenge any unconscious biases, ensuring that we cultivate an inclusive work environment.

8. Corrections and Clarifications

When inaccuracies are found, we ensure prompt corrections with full transparency.

Corrections Policy: All corrections are prominently displayed, and we ensure clarity in communicating the correction or clarification.

9. Sensitive Reporting

In cases involving trauma, violence, or personal tragedy, we approach stories with sensitivity. We respect the dignity of individuals involved, and avoid sensationalism.

Consent: We seek informed consent from interview subjects, particularly in cases of trauma or sensitive issues.
Minimizing Harm: When reporting on violence or tragedy, we focus on the context and broader implications, rather than sensational details.

10. Acknowledgments

This Code of Ethics is inspired by the work and principles of esteemed media organizations including The Guardian, The Washington Post, Reuters, The Print, and The New York Times.