
Oct 1, 2023
"Ethical Journalism" forms the bedrock of Hysteria By GIRLONFILM's commitment to quality, truth, and integrity. This section is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of journalism and serves as a comprehensive guide for contributors to adhere to ethical practices in their work.
Section 1: Ethical Journalism
Accuracy
Commitment to Truth
Rigorous Research: Every piece of content should be the result of meticulous research. This includes deep dives into the subject matter, consultation of various sources, and a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Reliable and Verifiable Sources: Use sources that are credible and authoritative. This means relying on first-hand accounts, expert opinions, and well-established research rather than unverified or speculative sources.
Accuracy in Details: Pay close attention to details such as dates, names, locations, and statistics. Even small inaccuracies can compromise the credibility of the work and the publication.
Verification Process
Multiple Source Verification: Always corroborate information with multiple sources. This is especially important for controversial or disputed facts.
Cross-Checking Facts: Actively cross-check facts against each other to identify and resolve discrepancies. This includes comparing data points, timelines, and narrative accounts.
Primary Sources Preference: Whenever possible, consult primary sources for information. Primary sources offer the most direct access to the information and are generally more reliable than secondary sources.
Expert Consultation: For complex or technical subjects, consult with experts in the field. This helps ensure that the content is not only accurate but also reflects current understanding and knowledge.
Impartiality
Objective Reporting
Clear Distinction Between News and Opinion: Ensure that news reporting is kept separate from opinion or editorial content. Facts should be reported objectively without interjection of personal views.
Labeling Analysis and Commentary: When providing analysis or commentary, clearly label it as such. This helps the audience distinguish between objective reporting and subjective viewpoints.
Avoiding Bias in Reporting: Be vigilant against biases, whether conscious or unconscious, in reporting. This includes avoiding language or framing that implies judgment or bias.
Commercial Influences
Disclosure of Relationships and Sponsorships: If you have any relationships or sponsorships that could be perceived as influencing your content, these should be disclosed to the editorial team and potentially to the audience. This includes financial relationships, affiliations, or personal connections.
Disclosure of Conflicts: If a conflict of interest is unavoidable, it must be disclosed to Hysteria By GIRLONFILM. In some cases, it may also be necessary to disclose the conflict to the audience, in the interest of transparency.
Accountability:
Responsibility to the Public
Recognizing the Role of Journalism in Public Interest
Service to Society: Journalism is not just a profession but a public service. Contributors should understand that their work has the potential to inform, influence, and shape public discourse.
Public Interest Over Personal Gain: Prioritize the public interest over personal interests. This means focusing on what is important and beneficial for society and Hysteria By GIRLONFILM readers.
Transparency in Reporting
Disclosure of Reporting Process
Explanation of Methods: Contributors should openly explain the methods used in gathering information, conducting research, and compiling their reports. This includes how interviews were conducted or how information was collected.
Providing Access to Source Material
Reference Materials: Where possible, provide access to or citations of the source materials used. This can include linking to original documents, datasets, or studies referenced in the report.
Transparency in Data Presentation: For data-driven content, provide information about how the data was gathered, analyzed, and interpreted. Include any relevant disclaimers about the limitations of the data.
Additional Guidelines for Contributors:
Submission Criteria
Relevance
Topicality: Submissions should be timely and relevant to current trends, events, or discussions. We seek content that resonates with contemporary issues or offers fresh perspectives on enduring themes.
Audience Engagement: Content should appeal to and engage our target audience. It must be compelling, thought-provoking, and relevant to the interests and values of our readership.
Alignment with Themes: Submissions must align with the recurring themes and subject areas of Hysteria By GIRLONFILM. These may include culture, art, fashion, music, and more, as defined by publication focus.
Originality
Unique Perspective: We value unique, creative approaches and fresh angles on familiar topics. Submissions should offer something new, whether it's an an unusual perspective or an unexplored topic.
Creativity and Innovation: We encourage creative formats and innovative storytelling techniques. This can include multimedia elements, interactive content, or unconventional narrative structures.
Avoidance of Clichés: Strive to avoid overused narratives or stereotypical approaches. Content should stand out for its original thought and creative expression.
Alignment with Publication's Themes and Values
Ethical Considerations: Submissions must adhere to our ethical guidelines, promoting accuracy, fairness, and integrity. Content should be socially responsible and should not perpetuate misinformation, stereotypes, or harmful narratives.
Diversity and Inclusivity: We prioritize content that reflects diverse experiences and viewpoints. Submissions should contribute to a balanced and inclusive representation of different communities, cultures, and perspectives.
Artistic and Aesthetic Standards: Content should meet our artistic and aesthetic standards. This includes a high level of craftsmanship, artistic quality, and visual appeal in the case of visual submissions.
Constructive and Positive Impact: Content should aim to inform, educate, entertain, or inspire. We favor content that contributes positively to societal discourse, encouraging constructive dialogue and understanding.
Practical Considerations
Format and Style: Submissions must comply with our formatting guidelines, including length, style, and structure. Refer to our style guide for specific requirements.
Supporting Materials: Where necessary, include supporting materials such as images, sources, or references. Ensure all supplementary materials adhere to copyright and intellectual property laws.
Submission Process: Follow our submission process, which may include specific steps for submitting proposals, drafts, and final pieces. All content submitted must be unpublished and cannot be submitted/included elsewhere upon the acceptance/inclusion in Hysteria By GIRLONFILM or its other networks. Be mindful of deadlines and response times.
Legal and Ethical Compliance
Adherence to Relevant Laws
Understanding Legal Obligations: Contributors must understand and adhere to the legal obligations relevant to journalism and media publication. This includes laws related to libel, slander, and public decency.
Jurisdictional Variations: Recognize that legal standards can vary by region and country. Contributors should be aware of the laws in the jurisdictions where their content will be published or distributed.
Intellectual Property Rights
Respect for Copyright: Ensure that all content, including text, images, and multimedia, is either original or used with proper permission or attribution. Understand and respect copyright laws.
Avoiding Plagiarism: Submissions must be the original work of the contributor. Any use of others' work must be properly credited and used within the bounds of fair use.
Usage of Third-Party Content: When using third-party content (like quotes, images, or data), ensure you have the necessary rights or permissions. This includes understanding the terms of use for various sources and platforms.
Privacy Rights
Respecting Privacy: Be mindful of the privacy rights of individuals featured in your content. Avoid publishing private information without consent, especially if it is sensitive or personal.
Avoiding Defamation
Understanding Defamation: Be aware of what constitutes defamation (libel and slander). Avoid making false statements that could harm the reputation of individuals or organizations.
Fact-Checking: Rigorously fact-check to avoid inadvertently publishing defamatory content. This includes verifying the credibility of sources and the accuracy of statements.
Opinions and Statements: Clearly differentiate between factual reporting and opinion pieces. Opinions should be presented in a way that makes it clear they are not assertions of fact.
Ethical Standards
Upholding Ethical Journalism: Adhere to the principles of ethical journalism as outlined in the handbook, including accuracy, fairness, and integrity.
Conflict of Interest: Disclose any conflicts of interest that may impact the objectivity of your work.