We, at the Southeast European Observer, pledge to uphold these principles and standards, ensuring that our platform remains a trusted source of information for our readers. Your trust is our most valued asset, and we strive every day to be worthy of it.
1. Introduction
The Southeast European Observer is committed to providing accurate, impartial, and contextual news summaries from Southeast Europe. Our editorial policy reflects our dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ensuring that our readers receive trustworthy and reliable information.
2. Scope
This editorial policy applies to all content published on the Southeast European Observer, including articles, summaries, multimedia, and any other form of content.
3. Independence and Objectivity
- We operate independently of any political party, government, or corporate entity.
- Our content is free from influence by advertisers, sponsors, or any external financial interests.
- We strive to remain objective in our summaries, avoiding any form of bias or subjective interpretation.
- If we have knowledge that the sources we use are biased or politically influenced, we will do our best to note that in a clear and transparent manner in the article that the source is being quoted or referenced in.
- We are committed to exposing any potential conflicts of interest, whether from our volunteers, editors, or sources we use, in a clear and transparent manner.
4. Accuracy and Fact-Checking
- Every piece of information we publish undergoes rigorous fact-checking.
- We rely on credible and established news sources from the region.
- In the event of any uncertainty or ambiguity, we prioritize verification over speed.
- Corrections: If inaccuracies are identified post-publication, we commit to correcting them promptly and transparently.
- Edits: If and when we edit any articles on our website after publishing, we commit to making those edits clear and transparent, at the top of the article page.
5. Sources and Attribution
- We always cite our sources. Direct quotes, statistics, and any information derived from another outlet will be appropriately attributed.
- We prioritize local sources, primary sources, and firsthand information.
- Anonymous sources are used sparingly and only when necessary to protect the source’s safety or job security. The use of such sources will always be accompanied by a justification.
6. Transparency
- We clearly label opinion pieces, sponsored content, and any other content that might be subjective or promotional.
- Any potential conflict of interest related to a story will be disclosed to the readers.
- Our ownership, affiliations, and any other relevant organizational details are publicly accessible.
7. Respect for Individuals and Privacy
- We respect the privacy of individuals, especially private citizens who are not public figures.
- Personal details or identifiers will be omitted or anonymized unless they are crucial to the story.
- We avoid publishing graphic or distressing content without a valid journalistic reason, and when we do, it will be accompanied by a warning.
8. Cultural Sensitivity
- We recognize the diverse cultures, histories, and sensitivities of the Southeast European region.
- Our content aims to be respectful and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or biases.
9. Feedback and Accountability
- We value feedback from our readers and the communities we serve.
- We provide clear channels for our audience to report inaccuracies, offer feedback, or lodge complaints.
- We commit to addressing feedback in a timely and transparent manner.
- We publish corrections and / or retractions in a timely and transparent manner and at the top of the page in question.
10. Editorial Structure and Responsibilities
- Our editorial team consists of experienced editors, citizen journalists, analysts, and professionals who adhere to this policy.
- Roles and responsibilities within the editorial team are clearly defined, ensuring a smooth workflow and review before publication.
- All authors and translators volunteering for SEE Observer must remain impartial and / or reveal their relevant commercial or political affiliations when reporting.
11. Continuous Training
- Our team undergoes regular training sessions to stay updated with the latest journalistic standards, tools, and best practices.
- We encourage our team to participate in workshops, seminars, and courses that enhance their skills and knowledge.
12. Review of Editorial Policy
- This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and up-to-date with evolving journalistic standards.
- Any updates or changes will be communicated transparently to our readers.
Affiliate Advertising Disclosure: The Southeast European Observer participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. While we strive to provide our readers with unbiased and reliable information, please be aware that any purchases made through Amazon affiliate links on our site generate a small commission for us at no extra cost to you. This helps support our platform and allows us to continue delivering quality content to our readers.
We ensure that the presence of Amazon affiliate ads does not influence our editorial content, and no affiliate links are included within the text of our articles.
