Editorial Policy
Malawi24 is committed to accurate, fair, independent and responsible journalism. Our mission is to inform the public with timely, credible and balanced reporting from Malawi and around the world while upholding the highest standards of professional ethics.
Our editorial decisions are made independently and are not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, political organisations or other external interests.
Our Editorial Standards
Accuracy
Accuracy is the foundation of our journalism. We seek to verify information before publication through reliable sources, documentary evidence and, where appropriate, direct confirmation.
Where facts cannot be independently verified, we make this clear to readers. We do not knowingly publish false or misleading information.
Fairness and Balance
We make every reasonable effort to present relevant perspectives on matters of public interest.
Individuals and organisations who are the subject of significant criticism or allegations are normally given a fair opportunity to respond before publication. Where this is not possible, we will seek their response as soon as practicable and update our reporting where appropriate.
Independence
Our journalism is produced independently of political, commercial and personal interests.
Editorial decisions are based solely on newsworthiness, evidence and the public interest.
News, Analysis and Opinion
We clearly distinguish between:
- News reporting based on verified facts;
- Analysis that provides context or interpretation; and
- Opinion or commentary expressing the views of individual authors.
Opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the views of Malawi24.
Attribution and Original Journalism
Malawi24 respects intellectual property rights and does not tolerate plagiarism.
We properly attribute information, quotations, photographs, video and other material obtained from external sources where required. Permission is obtained where necessary, and third-party content is used in accordance with applicable copyright laws.
Corrections and Clarifications
Despite rigorous editorial processes, mistakes can occur.
When we identify a significant factual error, misleading statement or omission, we will correct it promptly and transparently. Where appropriate, we will publish a clarification, correction or apology.
Readers may report possible inaccuracies by emailing [email protected].
Sources and Confidentiality
We are committed to protecting confidential sources where legally and ethically appropriate.
Anonymous sources are used only when there is a clear public-interest justification and when the information cannot reasonably be obtained on the record.
Privacy and Public Interest
We respect individual privacy and report responsibly.
When reporting on victims of crime, children or vulnerable people, we exercise particular care and publish identifying information only where justified by law or an overriding public interest.
We do not identify victims of sexual offences unless permitted by law and there is a compelling public-interest reason to do so.
Diversity and Non-Discrimination
Our reporting avoids discriminatory, prejudicial or inflammatory references to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, age, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation unless those characteristics are genuinely relevant to the story.
We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Newsgathering
Our journalists use lawful, honest and ethical methods to gather information.
Misrepresentation, deception or hidden recording will only be considered where there is an overriding public interest and the information cannot reasonably be obtained by other lawful means.
Advertising and Sponsored Content
Editorial independence is fundamental to Malawi24.
Advertising, sponsored content, paid partnerships and commercial promotions are clearly labelled and kept separate from editorial content. Advertisers do not influence our editorial decisions.
Ethical Commitments
Malawi24 adheres to the principles of the Media Council of Malawi Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and supports internationally recognised standards of responsible journalism, including the Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists and the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.
Editorial Complaints
We welcome feedback and take editorial complaints seriously.
If you believe an article contains a factual error, breaches our editorial standards or requires clarification, please contact [email protected] with:
- the article URL;
- a description of the issue;
- any supporting evidence or documentation; and
- your contact details.
We will review all genuine complaints fairly and respond where appropriate.
Editorial Independence
Malawi24’s editorial staff retain full authority over news selection, reporting, editing and publication. Commercial, political or personal interests do not determine our editorial coverage.
Our commitment is to serve the public interest through accurate, independent and accountable journalism.