ITREALMS Media Group: Editorial Ethics & Professional Conduct Policy
ITREALMS Media Group is committed to "making leadership SENSE with digital news." We believe that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the engine of the 21st century. To serve our global audience, we adhere to the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and independence. This policy applies to all staff, contributors, and freelancers representing the ITREALMS brand.
2. Accuracy and Fact-Checking
The cornerstone of ITREALMS is truth. We do not just report remarks; we verify claims.
Verification: Every story, especially technical reports in the Telecoms Clinic or financial data in WeekendDigits, among others, must be verified by at least two independent sources or official documents.
Context: We strive to provide the "rest of the story," ensuring that technical data is presented within its proper socio-economic context.
Visual Integrity: We do not use "generative AI" to create deceptive images or fake quotes. All charts and diagrams must accurately reflect the data they represent.
3. Independence and Conflict of Interest
ITREALMS serves the public interest, not special interests.
"Brown Envelope" Policy: In accordance with Article 7 of the NUJ Code, ITREALMS staffers are strictly prohibited from soliciting or accepting bribes, gratifications, or "transport money" to publish or suppress a story.
Gifts: We only accept items of "token value" (e.g., branded pens or notebooks at press conferences). Any gift exceeding ₦10,000 in value must be declared to the Group Executive Editor.
Firewall: There is a clear "firewall" between our editorial content and our advertising. Sponsored content or "Partner Posts" must be clearly labeled so the reader can distinguish them from independent reporting.
4. Transparency and Accountability
We are accountable to our readers. If we make a mistake, we own it.
Corrections: Errors of fact will be corrected promptly. For online stories, the correction will be noted at the top or bottom of the article, clearly explaining what was changed and why.
Right of Reply: We believe in fairness. Any individual or organization criticized in a report has a cardinal right to reply.
Source Protection: We will honor all pledges of confidentiality to "off-the-record" sources. We protect whistleblowers who expose corruption within the digital ecosystem.
5. Humanity and Respect (Sexual Harassment Policy)
ITREALMS maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment of any kind.
Zero Tolerance: Physical, verbal, or digital harassment—including sexual advances, bullying, or discriminatory remarks based on gender, religion, or ethnicity—is strictly prohibited.
Reporting: Any staffer or freelancer who feels harassed should report the incident to integrity@itrealms.com.ng.
Protection: ITREALMS guarantees that no staffer will face retaliation for reporting a breach of ethics or workplace misconduct.
6. Discrimination and Diversity
In our reporting and our newsroom, we reject stereotypes. We refrain from making pejorative references to a person's ethnic group, religion, sex, or physical disability. We strive to highlight voices from all regions of Nigeria, moving beyond "Lagos-centric" reporting to ensure national inclusion.
6. Discrimination and Diversity
In our reporting and our newsroom, we reject stereotypes. We refrain from making pejorative references to a person's ethnic group, religion, sex, or physical disability. We strive to highlight voices from all regions of Nigeria, moving beyond "Lagos-centric" reporting to ensure national inclusion.
7. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is an unforgivable offense. ITREALMS does not copy the work of others. All third-party data, quotes, and ideas must be clearly attributed to their original source.
Policy Governance
This policy is reviewed annually by the Editorial Board. Adherence to these guidelines is a condition of employment and contract with ITREALMS Media Group.
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