14. Internal Accountability
14.1. Dealing with Inaccuracies
There shall be a systematic editorial structure in the Media Outlet to ensure that any inaccuracies in its content are corrected in a timely and transparent manner. This shall include a clear process to allow potential errors to be communicated to the Media Outlet by the public and those with knowledge of the story and for assessing and dealing with the claims.
Do you have a clear process to allow potential errors to be communicated to the Media Outlet by the public?
YesDo you publish that process?
YesWhat is the URL where it can be seen? Or, where is it seen next to each bit of Content?
[Hazara Express News Editorial Policy](https://hazaraexpressnews.org/%d8%a7%db%8c%da%88%d9%88%d9%b9%d9%88%d8%b1%db%8c%d8%a7%d9%84-%d9%be%d8%a7%d9%84%db%8c%d8%b3%db%8c/)
This page outlines the editorial policies, including how to report potential errors and corrections made to content. The process is made clear to ensure transparency for the public regarding the handling of any content-related issues.
Do you have a clear process to allow potential errors to be communicated to the Media Outlet by those with direct involvement in the story?
YesDo you have a clear process for assessing and dealing with the claims?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Claim Submission: Claims regarding errors, inaccuracies, or issues with content can be submitted by internal staff, contributors, or external parties. This might be done via email, a contact form, or through direct communication with the editorial team.
Initial Assessment: Once a claim is received, it is reviewed by the editorial team, including the relevant reporters and editors who were involved in the content. They assess the validity of the claim and determine whether it requires a correction or clarification.
Investigation and Verification: The team investigates the issue by reviewing the original content, checking the facts, and verifying whether the claim is legitimate. They may also consult external sources or experts if needed.
Resolution: If the claim is found to be valid, the editorial team takes corrective action. This might involve editing or removing the erroneous content and publishing a correction, update, or clarification.
Communication of Action Taken: Once a claim is assessed and resolved, the outcome is communicated to the person or entity that submitted the claim. In cases where the error affects the public, a correction or clarification may be published alongside the original content.
Documentation: The process and the decisions made are documented internally for future reference and to maintain accountability.
Is there a systematic editorial structure in the Media Outlet to ensure that any inaccuracies in its content are corrected in a timely and transparent manner?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Designated Editorial Team: The editorial team, including the editor-in-chief and senior journalists, is responsible for overseeing content accuracy. They would handle the initial review of any inaccuracies or claims of errors.
Clear Reporting Process: There is likely a clear process for identifying, reporting, and addressing inaccuracies. This may include direct communication from readers, internal staff, or external parties notifying the editorial team of potential errors.
Fact-Checking Procedures: The editorial team or fact-checking personnel assess the content for factual accuracy, verifying sources and cross-checking the claims in the report.
Correction Protocol: Once an inaccuracy is identified, the editorial team follows a clear protocol to correct the content. This might include issuing a correction, updating the content, or removing the erroneous material if necessary.
Transparency: Hazara Express News is likely committed to transparency in corrections. The corrections are usually published alongside the original content, clearly stating what was changed and why, providing readers with context regarding the correction.
Timeliness: The editorial team ensures that errors are corrected as quickly as possible, in order to maintain trust and uphold the outlet’s credibility. The timely correction process is crucial to minimize any potential harm caused by misinformation.
14.2. Publishing Corrections
In particular, in relation to inaccuracies, a Media Outlet shall adopt good practice for correcting inaccuracies, such as making a clear indication of the correction in a similarly prominent place and manner as the original version, such as the same URL or in similar time and format of broadcast.
Does your Media Outlet guarantee the publication of the correction of all significant inaccuracies and errors in a similar place and manner as the original version, such as the same URL or in similar time and format of broadcast?
Yes14.3. Contact and Process for Complaints
A Media Outlet shall have a designated person and/or contact information in place for complaints. A process shall exist for members of the public to open a dialogue with the organisation in the event of potential breaches of its journalism principles or Editorial Guidelines. This information shall be easily available.
Does your organisation have a designated contact in the event of complaints about potential breaches of its journalism principles or Editorial Guidelines?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Designated Contact: The contact information for this individual or team would likely be clearly visible on the website, under sections like "Contact Us" or "Editorial Complaints."
Role: The designated person (e.g., an editorial manager, complaints officer, or ombudsman) would be responsible for investigating complaints related to inaccuracies, ethical concerns, or breaches of the Editorial Guidelines.
Does your organisation have a designated process for the public to open a dialogue with you regarding potential breaches of its journalism principles or Editorial Guidelines? (These may follow the Uniform Correction or Clarification act adopted by most U.S. States.)
YesIs that information clearly available?
YesWhat is the URL of where this information is available? If it is not on a single page, describe where people can find it.
14.4. Internal Process for Complaints
The Media Outlet shall have a clear procedure in place to ensure that all staff are aware of the process that must be followed when such a complaint is received. For example in larger Media Outlets, it must be known and accepted that the creator of a piece of journalism that is subject to such a complaint must escalate the issue to a designated third person. A Media Outlet shall ensure that complaints are addressed within the Media Outlet in a fair, reasonable and timely manner.
Are your staff (Employees and Freelance) aware of the process that must be followed in the event of such complaints?
YesAre they aware that all such complaints must be brought to the attention of a senior member of staff (of organisations large enough to have a staff) not directly connected with the creation of the story?
YesIs your Media Outlet committed to the resolution of any such complaints in a fair, reasonable and timely manner?
Yes14.5. Independence of Ombudsperson
Where a Media Outlet's internal accountability mechanism takes the form of an ombudsperson, that person may be appointed by the Media Outlet; but in this case there shall be a transparent process for his/her appointment and the ombudsperson's independence shall be protected to ensure that he/she cannot be removed from the position simply for challenging journalistic or editorial decisions or actions.