Media Outlet NikVesti Date of first publication 25/07/2023 Date of Latest Change 19/09/2024

12. Responsibility for Sources

A Media Outlet shall ensure that the sources used for its journalism are dealt with responsibly and their anonymity protected when justified.

12.1. Anonymity

The procedures for granting anonymity to sources shall be covered by the Editorial Guidelines. The reason for anonymity should be clarified for the public.

Are there guidelines on the procedures to be followed for granting anonymity to sources?

Yes

Are the reasons for granting anonymity made clear to the public?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Guidelines state, "Journalists and editors have the right to protect the anonymity of their sources if disclosure could pose a risk to the source’s safety or negatively impact their activities. Anonymity may be used provided that the source provides reliable and verified information that meets quality standards and journalistic ethics. When interacting with anonymous sources, journalists are obligated to follow ethical standards, avoiding manipulation or pressure on the sources to obtain information. The immediate supervisor has the right to learn the source in cases of extreme necessity, but only if this information is kept confidential. These rights and obligations have been repeatedly established in rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)."

12.2. Privacy Rights

Editorial guidelines should protect the privacy rights of individuals and their safety.

Are there guidelines to ensure that the privacy rights and safety of individuals are protected in your journalistic activity?

Yes

12.3. Independence and Sources

There should be guidelines on establishing relations with sources which protect the independence of the journalism.

Are there guidelines to ensure the independence of journalism relative to the sources for content?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Guidelines state, "No source, regardless of its status or influence, may affect the content or the final editing of material. Journalists are obligated to maintain independence in their conclusions and avoid any actions that could lead to content manipulation. The editorial team commits to preventing situations where sources use their position to pressure journalists into altering or distorting the presentation of information."

12.4. Diversity of Sources

Editorial guidelines should ensure that a diversity of sources are consulted in producing journalistic content with adequate time for response.

Do the guidelines ensure that a diversity of sources is used in the production of your journalistic content?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Guidelines state, "When analyzing the facts and establishing their credibility, the staff of the publication use the maximum of available tools and sources.", "Our journalists strive to use diverse sources of information to ensure objectivity and balance in the coverage of events."