Editorial Code

April Media works according to the principles of the Charter of Journalistic Ethics. While working on different topics, our main principle is “do not harm”. We also have an editorial code, which every employee of April Media is obliged to follow.

Accuracy – we write about facts based on sources and exact data. Journalistic product created by us is confirmed, balanced and verified. We are against the distortion and misinterpretation of facts on purpose. When we do not have enough information to depict the full picture, we are honest about it with the reader.

Fairness – we only use fair methods to gather information. We respect people’s confidentiality and do not reveal the sources. We do not publicize the information given by a person without their approval, and do not use secret recordings, unless highly demanded by the public. We do not accept bribe, and do work on “ordered” articles to make this or that person look good or bad.

Transparency – we will be transparent regarding the sources of our funding, and the advertising material. Any advertisement will have an appropriate indication, so that the audience can easily tell apart editorial and funded articles and make informed decisions.

Editorial independence – we do not belong to any political party and are free of both political and commercial influences. Our approach towards facts is impartial and takes the diversity of opinions into account. Decisions made by the editorial board are not affected by their or outside interests.

Personal privacy – we do not publicize information on the private lives of others, unless this person wishes and approves of it, or there is a high public demand for it. We believe that public interest is different from the curiosity of humans, and our goal is to spread information that satisfies the interest of the public.

Unacceptability of discrimination – it is our obligation not to discriminate humans based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, religious or ethnic backgrounds. More than that, it is our goal to fight against discrimination.

Freedom of expression – we respect the freedom of expression and believe, that everybody has the right to express themselves freely. This is true for our employees; the only exception is discriminative speech. We do not collaborate with people who discriminate others in one way or the other.

Diversity – we depict the diversity that exists in the society and will try to raise awareness about the fact that people are different, but still equal.

Reporting on children – we will report on children in an especially careful way, using the “do not harm” principle. We will work on ensuring children’s emotional and physical well-being.

Plagiarism – plagiarism is unacceptable for us. We use photos, videos, or texts from other medias only if it becomes impossible to get this information in another way.  In these cases, the sources will be stated, and we expect the same approach from our colleagues.

Accountability – despite the loyalty of ethical principles, journalists can make mistakes. We are open to fair criticism and take responsibility to our mistakes. We will admit our mistakes, and in case of spreading misinformation, we will correct it in an appropriate manner and do not hide information regarding it. You can address us at our e-mail: [email protected]. We will review your statements in the time of seven work days.

The editorial code has been prepared based on the principles of the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics, Editorial codes of BBC and Reuters and personal experiences of the April Media team.