At H.P. Times, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in our journalism and operations. As a responsible digital news platform, we follow the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Code of Ethics, ensuring that our reporting is accurate, fair, transparent, and free from undue influence.
Favors, Payments, and Gifts
- We don’t ask for, receive, or provide gifts, favors, or money that would jeopardize our objectivity or independence.
- In accordance with standard business procedures, all payments and business partnerships with partners and advertising are always openly stated.
- Customary courtesy or small-value tokens are examples of exceptions that will be handled discreetly to avoid affecting editorial judgment.
Conflicts of Interest
- Our employees and journalists steer clear of circumstances in which their personal interests could interfere with their work obligations.
- Staff members must refrain from actions that might erode public confidence in our reporting, and any possible conflicts of interest must be reported to senior editors.
Confidentiality
- Confidential information cannot be misused or shared without authorization.
- Except in cases where disclosure is mandated by law, we honor confidentiality agreements and safeguard our sources.
Correctness and Accuracy
- The cornerstone of our journalism is accuracy. Before being published, every fact is confirmed.
- If something goes wrong, we fix it quickly and openly (see our Correction Policy).
- As stories develop, we promise to provide clarifications and updates.
Social Media Guidelines
- Since posts on social media have an impact on H.P. Times as a news brand, our staff utilizes them appropriately.
- Journalists must refrain from disseminating false information, offensive statements, or anything that can undermine public confidence.
- It is easy to discern between professional reporting and personal opinions shared on social media.
Professional Conduct
- We uphold impartiality, equity, and decency in all of our reporting.
- We steer clear of hate speech, offensive language, and sensationalism.
- When reporting, we respect people’s rights, privacy, and dignity.
Plagiarism and Fair Use
- It is completely forbidden to plagiarize. All content has to be unique or appropriately credited.
- We adhere to copyright regulations and provide proper attribution when utilizing quotations, photos, material, or sources from third parties.
Transparency and Accountability
- Ads, sponsored material, and paid collaborations are all identified with obvious labels.
- We continue to be accountable to our readers and welcome comments, corrections, and interaction.
- Concerns about violations of this Code of Ethics can be reported to us at hptimes.in@gmail.com