1. Introduction and Core Mission

MBC 24 News is a hyper-local and regional digital news platform operating on the MOJO Network. Our core mission is to deliver accurate, objective, fearless, and timely news coverage to our readers and viewers. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity, ethics, and transparency. This Editorial Policy guides all reporters, stringers, editors, and contributors associated with the Channel.

2. Core Journalistic Principles

Every piece of content published on our Portal adheres strictly to the following fundamental principles:

• Accuracy and Verification: Truth is our supreme guideline. Facts must be cross-verified from reliable sources before publication. In fast-breaking news, if a fact is unverified, it must be explicitly stated as developing.

• Fairness and Impartiality: We present multiple perspectives on contentious issues, allowing readers to form their own opinions. Personal biases of reporters or editors must never influence news reporting.

• Independence: Our editorial decisions are entirely independent of commercial pressures, advertisers, political influences, or external stakeholders. Sponsored content or paid advertisements are strictly separated from editorial reporting and clearly labelled.

• Accountability: We take responsibility for our reporting. If an error occurs, we issue prompt, transparent corrections and clarifications.

3. Role of AI-Assisted Production and Transparency

MBC 24 News utilizes advanced AI tools provided through the MOJO Network to streamline newsroom workflows, including formatting, translation, transcription, grammar enhancement, and structural clarity:

• Human-First Reporting: AI does not originate news stories or conduct journalism. All raw facts, ground reporting, visuals, and voice notes are gathered exclusively by human reporters and stringers.

• Editorial Oversight: Every AI-assisted draft is thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked, and formally approved by the concerned reporter or editor prior to publication.

• Accountability for AI Use: While AI assists in speed and presentation, ultimate editorial responsibility rests entirely with the Publisher and the reporting team.

4. Verification Standards and Sourcing

• Primary Sources: Whenever possible, news must be based on first-hand observation, official documents, or direct statements from credible authorities.

• Anonymous Sources: The use of anonymous or confidential sources is discouraged and permitted only under exceptional circumstances where revealing the source's identity would place them in physical or professional danger. Such usage requires explicit approval from senior editorial leadership.

• Attribution: All quotes, statistics, data, and third-party media must be properly attributed to their original sources. Plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited.

5. Ethical Guidelines for Reporters and Contributors

All reporters, stringers, and contributors associated with MBC 24 News are bound by the Press Council of India's Norms of Journalistic Conduct and must adhere to the following:

• Conflict of Interest: Reporters must disclose any personal, financial, or political conflicts of interest that could compromise their reporting. They must not use their journalistic position for personal gain or favors.

• Protection of Privacy: We respect the privacy of individuals, particularly victims of crime, juveniles, and grieving families. Sensationalism that violates personal dignity is strictly forbidden.

• Communal Harmony and Public Order: Content that incites violence, promotes hatred, discriminates on the basis of religion, caste, gender, or region, or threatens public peace and national security will never be published.

• Prohibition of Paid News: Accepting money, gifts, or favors in exchange for publishing or suppressing a news story is a grave violation of our policy and results in immediate termination of the contributor.

6. Corrections and Retractions Policy

We strive for absolute accuracy, but errors can occasionally happen in fast-paced digital journalism:

• Prompt Corrections: If an error is identified, we correct it promptly. Significant corrections or updates are appended visibly to the relevant article.

• Right of Reply: Individuals or organizations targeted in critical investigative reports or allegations are given a fair opportunity to respond prior to publication, and their response is duly incorporated.

• Retractions: If a story is found to be fundamentally flawed or unverifiable, it may be retracted entirely, with a clear note explaining the reason for retraction.

7. User-Generated Content and Comments Policy

We welcome engagement from our audience through comments and submissions:

• User comments must remain respectful, lawful, and relevant to the topic.

• Hate speech, abusive language, personal attacks, defamatory statements, spam, or copyrighted material posted by users will be removed promptly at our discretion.

8. Grievance Redressal

If you believe that any content published on MBC 24 News violates this Editorial Policy, contains factual errors, or infringes upon rights, please reach out to our designated Grievance Officer as outlined in our Terms & Conditions and Disclaimer. We are committed to reviewing all legitimate complaints fairly and transparently.