The credibility of this newsroom depends on the independence and integrity of the people in it. This policy sets out what is expected of our journalists, and what readers can hold us to.
Independence first
Our reporters’ duty is to the reader. Not to studios, leagues, distributors, agents, sponsors, or advertisers. Editorial decisions — what to cover, what to commission, what to publish, what to spike — are made by editors on editorial grounds. Commercial colleagues have no say in those decisions and do not see editorial copy before publication.
Conflicts of interest
Reporters disclose to their editor any personal, family, financial, or social relationship that could reasonably be seen to compromise their reporting on a story. If a writer has worked for, dated, or invested in someone whose work they are about to review, they tell us before the assignment is made — and we reassign the piece.
Significant personal holdings in the companies we cover (production houses, league franchises, streamers) are flagged in advance and, in most cases, divested or recused around. Stocks and crypto in the entertainment/sports space are not held by editors who set coverage priorities.
Gifts and freebies
We accept legitimate review access — screeners, press passes, match accreditation, festival passes. We do not accept cash, lavish hospitality, paid junkets, or anything else that a reasonable reader would consider a bribe.
- Screeners and press passes are accepted as standard industry practice. The fact that we received one is noted in the review.
- Set visits and press junkets may be attended where there is editorial value; travel and accommodation paid by a studio is disclosed in the piece.
- Cash, jewellery, expensive electronics, and luxury hospitality are refused. If we cannot return something, we donate it to a registered charity.
Outside work
Staff reporters do not write paid promotional content for the studios, leagues, or platforms they cover. Outside writing on other topics is allowed with the Editor-in-Chief’s sign-off. Reporters do not appear on press-junket panels in a moderator role for a studio they cover as critics.
Social media
Our reporters are entitled to a personality and a point of view on social media. They are also held to the same accuracy and fairness standards there as in print. Personal opinions are personal opinions; they are not a substitute for verification, and they are not posted to undermine ongoing reporting.
Source protection
We protect the identity of sources we have promised to protect. We do not name anonymous sources to anyone outside the small group of editors who need to know who they are. We do not hand source material to law enforcement except where compelled by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Family and friends in the industry
Several of our writers have partners, siblings, or close friends working in entertainment or sport — it would be strange if they did not, given the beats they cover. Where such a relationship overlaps with a story, the reporter declares it and we make a recusal call. The relevant disclosure is added to the published piece.
Raising concerns
If you believe one of our reporters has fallen short of these standards, email [email protected]. The complaint goes to the Editor-in-Chief, who responds within five working days and, where the complaint is upheld, publishes a correction or note explaining what happened.
Questions about this page?
Email us at [email protected] and a member of the editorial team will get back to you, typically within one business day.