CODE OF PRACTICE
Introduction: Why This Code Exists

By Michael Leidig

The world of journalism when I joined the profession in the early nineties has changed beyond recognition — shaped by a turbulent world, the rise of ideological polarisation, and a resulting media landscape increasingly hostile to independent voices. The path of the freelance journalist — once a respected route into the profession — has become a legal and financial minefield. Where journalism was once confined to print and broadcast, it is now online, where everyone can claim to be a journalist.

NewsX was founded not out of commercial ambition, but out of a desire to help redefine what journalism is — and who can rightfully claim the title of journalist. It was born from deep curiosity about the world, and from the need to empower those bridging the gap between questions and answers. We believe that only a global publishing network can free a new generation of content creators from the pressure to conform to editorial agendas.

It is is a positive feedback loop whereby the best and strongest content competes for space in the biggest and best media outlets which verify the content and the content creator by the act of publication. This positive feedback loop encourages ever stronger and better reporting which in turn creates bigger and better media.

At its best, journalism is an act of public service — a craft devoted to informing, educating, and, yes, entertaining, so people can make better decisions in every aspect of life. NewsX offers the rare freedom to create independently, without aligning with ideological camps — empowering contributors to pursue truth, not agendas.

This platform isn’t just for traditional journalists. It’s for all content creators who believe in public-interest storytelling — whether through writing, photography, video, or other media — and who follow a code in order to access the respect and privileges that responsible publishing entails.

At the heart of the NewsX model is a reimagined press card system: a visible, role-sensitive credential based on proof-of-work, backed by bylines and editorial accountability rather thasn the rubber stamp of a long dead accreditation body whose only revenue is the press cards that are not worth the plastic they are printed on. Through this system, contributors gain access to a global network of publishers, where trust is earned through conduct and verified through publication. It’s a model designed to protect creators — especially freelancers — from the growing legal and reputational risks of today’s media economy.

Each card is more than a tool for access. It represents identity and responsibility. From full-time professionals to red-badged stringers, from veteran reporters following their passion to digital-native voices, the press card system recognises a broad spectrum of contributors — each playing a vital role in an interconnected ecosystem. It is designed not just to credential individuals, but to cultivate a community of purpose: one that shares values, supports each other’s growth, and evolves with the needs of independent media.

In this ecosystem, the best creators compete for space in high-profile publications, which in turn validate their work by accepting and publishing it. This builds the reputation of contributors, who continue to attract the best platforms — forming a cycle of quality, recognition, and trust.

This code is not a bureaucratic formality. It is a lifeline for a profession that has been sidelined — and which offers perhaps the only viable route out of the credibility crisis currently afflicting the media. It protects the integrity of the work we create and the independence of those who produce it. It helps journalists and creators navigate a media environment where reputations are fragile, revenues shrinking, and truth often the first casualty.

By articulating not only how we work but why we work, this document sets the standard for everyone in the NewsX network — whether writing for tabloids or broadsheets, radio or TV, creating commentary or capturing frontline video, covering local news or global affairs. It aims to rebuild trust in reporting and to bridge divides between audiences, ideologies, and platforms.

The following Code of Conduct embodies these principles. It is both a shield and a compass — protecting our contributors and guiding our mission toward a more transparent, inclusive, and fearless kind of journalism: powered by community, driven by values, and verified by action.

The NewsX Code of Conduct

1. Core Editorial Principles

1.1 Accuracy and Corrections

• All content must be accurate and based on verifiable facts. Misleading or distorted reporting is prohibited.
• Significant errors must be corrected promptly and prominently.
• Clearly distinguish between fact, comment, and conjecture.

1.2 Fairness and Balance

• Ensure fairness to all subjects. Where appropriate, seek comment from those affected by allegations.
• Avoid distortion through omission or misrepresentation.

1.3 Privacy and Respect

• Respect personal privacy unless there is a compelling public interest.
• Do not photograph individuals in private places without consent.
• Journalists must obtain permission from a responsible authority before entering non-public areas of hospitals or similar institutions. This includes wards, emergency rooms, and private treatment spaces. The right to report must always be balanced against privacy and dignity, especially for those in vulnerable circumstances.

1.4 Harassment and Conduct

• Do not harass, intimidate, or pursue individuals who request no further contact.
• Identify yourself and your affiliation clearly in all newsgathering activities.

1.5 Children and Vulnerable People

• NewsX contributors should avoid identifying minors involved in criminal or sensitive cases unless:
  – the information is already widely and credibly published in the public domain (e.g. by reputable local or international media),
  – there is a clear editorial justification for including it, and
  – care is taken not to sensationalise or further harm the child involved.
  In all cases, the dignity and safety of minors must take precedence over commercial or competitive considerations.
• Obtain parental or guardian consent before interviewing or photographing children under 16.
• Do not identify child victims or witnesses in sexual offense cases.

1.6 Subterfuge and Hidden Devices

• Covert methods may only be used when a significant public interest justifies them, no alternative means are available, and their use complies fully with the law.
• Any use of hidden devices, undercover work, or digital intrusion must be legally authorised and ethically defensible.
• NewsX does not condone practices such as unlawful phone tapping or engineered surveillance. All investigative methods must respect both the letter and spirit of the law.

1.7 Reporting Suicide

• Avoid excessive detail when reporting suicides to reduce the risk of imitation.

1.8 Discrimination and Victim Protection

• Avoid prejudicial or pejorative references to race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation unless genuinely relevant.
• Do not identify victims of sexual assault without compelling legal or editorial justification.

2. Contributor Responsibilities

2.1 Attribution and Bylines

• All published material must carry the contributor’s byline and agency (if applicable).
• Exclusive rewrites or minimally edited submissions must still credit the original creator.

2.2 Verification and Fact-Checking

• Contributors must verify all information using credible sources. Signing a byline certifies this responsibility.

2.3 Digital Tools and Sourcing

• Use trusted digital tools for information gathering. Avoid discredited or manipulated sources.

2.4 Plagiarism and Reuse

• All work must be original or properly credited. Misrepresentation of source material is strictly prohibited.

2.5 Editorial Independence

• Maintain clear boundaries between editorial content and commercial, PR, or sponsored messaging.

2.6 Disclosure and Conflicts

• Declare any personal interest that may influence editorial decisions or reporting.
• Contributors must not use confidential financial information for personal gain, nor trade on market-sensitive information prior to publication. Any material financial interest in a subject being covered must be disclosed to editors in advance.
• Additionally, no payment or offer of payment should be made to criminal sources, their associates, or to witnesses in criminal trials, unless a compelling and clearly documented public interest can be demonstrated. Payment must never be contingent on the outcome of legal proceedings.

2.7 Confidential Sources

• Protect the identity of confidential sources unless legally compelled or ethically necessary to reveal.

3. Platform and Ecosystem Standards

3.1 Press Card and Credential System

• Contributors are issued colour-coded press cards based on their role and proof-of-work.
• These credentials determine access levels and verify legitimacy within the NewsX network.

3.2 Global Publisher Network

• Work is validated through acceptance by member publishers, reinforcing trust and visibility.

3.3 Proof-of-Work Model

• Contributor reputations are built through consistent publication of verified, ethical content.
• Verification is tied to editorial standards, not popularity or ideology.

3.4 Use of Taxonomy

• All published stories must align with NewsX’s eight-point taxonomy and ten-role framework to ensure relevance and accountability.

3.5 Decentralised Editorial Workflow

• NewsX supports local and specialist communities. Editorial oversight is distributed across vetted editors and agencies.

4. Governance and Enforcement

4.1 Qualifications and Accreditation

• All contributors must demonstrate competence through portfolio, training, or relevant background.
• Accredited members may apply for a press card and participate in editorial governance.

4.2 Training and Support

• NewsX provides ongoing training resources and mentoring opportunities for all contributors.

4.3 Complaints and Editorial Review

• Complaints are investigated by a voluntary editorial panel. Corrections and sanctions are applied when warranted.

4.4 Exceptions and Public Interest

• Breaches may be justified only by a clearly documented, overriding public interest (e.g. exposing wrongdoing or protecting safety).
• Public interest includes, but is not limited to:
  – Exposing or preventing crime or serious wrongdoing
  – Protecting public health or safety
  – Preventing the public from being misled
  – Holding powerful institutions accountable
  – Contributing to significant public debate
  – Disclosing major failures or injustices
• When invoking a public interest defence, contributors must demonstrate proportionality and explain how the decision was justified at the time.

4.5 Living Code Commitment

• This Code is reviewed regularly to reflect evolving best practices and community feedback. Adherence is required for ongoing participation.