TropicGroup editorial code of conduct

TropicGroup platforms aim to provide honest, accurate and balanced reportage of news and issues for our readers. We achieve this by providing competing views within articles where required to allow readers to make their own conclusions about the issue at hand.

We will never falsify a quote, invent a source or embellish details in our coverage of news. Similarly, our photography will not be altered or enhanced to distort the truth of the subject captured in the image.

When interviewing and interacting with sources or interview subjects who may be emotional, vulnerable or reluctant to speak to a reporter we will treat them with care and respect at all times.
Journalists are required to consult with the Editor about any concerns, conflicts of interest or controversial circumstances as they arise during the course of reporting the news.

Our news reporting must always be original work produced by TropicGroup journalists. Where excerpts from other media outlets, networks or writers are required for stories, full attribution must be applied.

Quotes from interview subjects are signified by quotation marks within stories. Small lapses in grammar, pronunciation or speech can be smoothed out by the journalist provided the original intent, meaning and context of the quote remains intact.

When reporting or conducting interviews on matters such as sexual abuse, court proceedings, and suicide, journalists must treat the matter with sensitivity and care at all times and consult with the Editor before and after any such interviews or drafts are conducted.

Any conflict of interest that may arise between the journalist and interview subject or article must be raised at the earliest possible time with the Editor.

Journalists are required to treat claims by interview subjects with care and caution. Verification from another interview subject, previously published material or relevant sources are required before publishing.

Anonymous sources are to be treated with care and caution and attempts must be made to extract a valid reason as to why anonymity is requested.

The use of unattributed and anonymous quotes are to be kept to a minimum, though it is acknowledged will sometimes be required to deliver the story.

All requests from a source for anonymity must be reported to and cleared by the Editor.

In the case of accusations, claims or criticism by an interview subject or source, a right of reply must always be extended to the subject of such comments.

Upon request from an interview subject, journalists are required to read out accusatory quotes to them when seeking a response to such quotes.

TropicGroup does not allow written drafts or final copies of news articles to be sent to interview subjects before publishing.