Editorial Policy

Accuracy comes before speed. We make reasonable efforts to verify information before publication and seek credible, identifiable and authoritative sources wherever possible.

Developing stories may change quickly. When facts are still emerging, we may identify an article as developing and update it as further information is confirmed.

Readers should be able to understand where important information comes from. Sources are identified when doing so is appropriate, lawful and safe.

We do not fabricate sources, quotations, interviews, documents or supporting evidence.

Editorial decisions are based on newsworthiness, evidence and public interest rather than political, commercial or personal pressure.

Advertising, sponsorship or commercial relationships do not determine the conclusions of independent reporting.

Sponsored material is identified so readers can distinguish it from editorial coverage.

Significant and relevant perspectives should be represented fairly.

When an article contains serious allegations concerning a person, company, institution or organisation, we seek to provide the subject with a reasonable opportunity to respond where practical and appropriate.

A lack of response does not automatically prevent publication when the matter serves the public interest. Where relevant, the article should make clear that a response was sought.

Headlines should accurately represent the substance of the article. They should not materially distort the facts simply to attract clicks.

We take factual errors seriously.

When a significant error is identified, we review the available information and make a correction where appropriate. Material corrections may include an explanation of what was changed.

News stories may be updated when significant new information becomes available.

Where an article changes substantially, we may indicate that it has been updated.

News reporting, analysis, commentary and opinion should be distinguishable from one another.

Opinion articles represent the views of their authors unless explicitly stated otherwise and do not automatically represent the editorial position of Lakbima News.

Analysis may include interpretation or assessment, but it should remain grounded in identifiable facts and evidence.

Information appearing on social media is treated as a source, not automatically as verified fact.

Significant claims originating from social platforms should be checked through additional evidence or reliable sources where possible.

Comments and other user contributions may be moderated or removed when they contain unlawful, abusive, defamatory, discriminatory or deliberately misleading material.

Lakbima News may use digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to assist with newsroom work such as research, transcription, translation, organisation and editing.

Members of the editorial team should disclose personal, financial or professional interests that could reasonably affect their reporting.

Where a significant conflict cannot be managed appropriately, another journalist may be assigned to the story or the conflicted individual may be removed from the assignment.

Reporting may involve private individuals, victims, children or other people in vulnerable circumstances. Such cases require additional care.

Personal information should be published only when there is a legitimate journalistic reason to do so and the level of detail is justified by the public interest.

Particular care should be taken when identifying children, victims of crime and people who may face additional harm from unnecessary disclosure.

Journalism sometimes requires publishing information that is uncomfortable, disputed or sensitive. Newsworthiness alone is not always enough.

The editorial team is responsible for applying these standards and reviewing significant concerns about material published by Lakbima News.

This policy may be updated as newsroom practices, technology and standards in digital journalism change.