Editorial Guidelines

TJI seeks to provide reliable and engaging content to our readers. We have developed editorial guidelines to serve as a framework for maintaining high journalistic standards, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and transparency. These guidelines apply to all contributors.

The guidelines have been developed in accordance with the General Principles of the Australian Press Council.

Objectivity and Fairness

1. Accuracy: Ensure the accuracy of all information presented in articles. Fact-checking and verification of sources are crucial.
2. Balance: Present a balanced view by including diverse perspectives and opinions. Strive to avoid bias and favoritism.
3. Separation of Opinion and News: Clearly distinguish between news articles and opinion pieces. Label opinion pieces to appropriately avoid confusion for readers.

Integrity and Ethics

1. Plagiarism and Attribution: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Always provide proper attribution for quotes, references, and sources.
2. Conflicts of Interest: Disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity or objectivity of an article. Avoid reporting on topics where such conflicts may exist.
3. Sponsored Content: Clearly label and distinguish sponsored or advertorial content to maintain transparency with readers.
4. Corrections and Updates: Promptly correct any factual errors identified in published articles. Clearly indicate the corrections made and the date of the update.

Writing Style and Tone

1. Clarity: Use clear and concise language to ensure ease of understanding for readers of all backgrounds.
2. Tone: Maintain a respectful and civil tone in all articles. Avoid personal attacks, offensive language, or discriminatory remarks.
3. Sensationalism and Clickbait: Avoid sensationalism or misleading headlines that may compromise the accuracy or credibility of the content.

Privacy and Confidentiality

1. Privacy: Respect the privacy of individuals, adhering to relevant laws and regulations. Obtain necessary permissions before publishing any personal or sensitive information.
2. Anonymity and Confidential Sources: Protect the identity and confidentiality of anonymous sources, ensuring their safety and trust. Use anonymous sources sparingly and provide as much context as possible.

Editorial Independence

1. Editorial Autonomy: Maintain editorial independence and avoid undue influence from partner organisations and other external parties.
2. Political Neutrality: Avoid endorsing or promoting specific political parties or candidates.

Community Guidelines (Social Media)

The Jewish Independent encourages intelligent and civil comments and discussion on our Social Media pages. Comments or private messages which breach our policy may be deleted or hidden. Repeated or serious breaches of the moderation policy may also result in an offender being barred from our pages.

Read our Social Media Community Guidelines.

Artificial Intelligence

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a tool that has the potential to aid our work but also to undermine our authority and credibility. In order to ensure we use the new technology for good we will follow the following principles:

1. Awareness
2. Transparency
3. Accuracy and human verification
4. Privacy and security
5. Exploration

Read our full artificial intelligence policy, with current permitted and refused uses.