Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics for Beas Bulletin Network (BBN.news)

Manali, Himachal Pradesh | Effective Date: 26 June 2025
Contact: bbnnews1947@yahoo.com

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Preamble

Beas Bulletin Network (BBN.news) voluntarily adopts this Code of Ethics to uphold the highest standards of digital journalism. We affirm our commitment to the freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India while ensuring ethical practices, professional integrity, and uninterrupted news dissemination. This code aims to reinforce credibility, accountability, and editorial independence. It does not interfere with BBN’s editorial autonomy but serves as a framework to maintain trust in digital news publishing.

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Core Principles

1. Legal Compliance
   • BBN.news adheres to the Constitution of India and all applicable laws, including over 30 statutes governing media.
   • Specific compliance includes:
     • Indian Penal Code (IPC)
     • Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
     • Information Technology Act, 2000 (including Sections 67, 67A, 67B)
     • Copyright Act
     • Right to Information Act
     • Relevant provisions for reporting on women, children, and marginalized communities.
2. Ethical Journalism & Professional Standards
   • We strictly follow accepted norms of journalistic ethics, integrity, and professionalism.
   • Self-regulatory mechanisms are enforced at all levels—reporters, editors, and publishers—within our newsroom.
3. Accuracy, Transparency, and Fairness
   • Avoid publishing false, unverified, or distorted content. Pre-publication fact-checking is mandatory.
   • Refrain from defamation and ensure compliance with legal standards.
   • Correct errors promptly and transparently.
4. Right to Reply
   • Include responses from individuals/entities accused in reports. If unavailable during initial publication, update the story upon receipt.
   • Update evolving news stories upon request, clearly displaying the modification date.
5. Correction, Takedown, and Editing
   • Edit or remove content proven false/incomplete upon receipt of valid evidence from affected parties.
   • Retract entire articles if found fundamentally inaccurate.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights
   • Obtain permission for copyrighted material (text, images, cartoons, etc.), acknowledge sources, and pay required royalties.
   • Avoid unauthorized use of trademarks/service marks.
   • Remove infringing content immediately upon verification.
7. Reporting on Crime & Sensational Matters
   • Preserve the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
   • Avoid speculation on evidence, witnesses, victims, or accused persons.
   • Base reports strictly on facts and fairness.
8. Sensitive Reporting Guidelines
   • Exercise extreme caution when covering:
     • Sexual offenses, child abuse, rape, or cases involving minors.
     • Marital disputes, riots/communal clashes, custody battles, adoptions, and workplace harassment.
   • Never disclose identities of victims, minors, or workplaces; avoid publishing victim photographs/locations.
   • Under IT Act, 2000: Strictly prohibit obscene/exploitative electronic content (Sections 67, 67A, 67B).
9. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
   • Appoint a Grievance Officer per IT Act, 2000 (Section 79) and Intermediary Guidelines, 2011.
     • Contact details must be displayed on www.bbnnews.space.
     • Acknowledge complaints within 36 hours and resolve them within one month.
10. Training & Awareness Programs
    • Conduct regular editorial training on:
      • Constitutional principles and media laws (e.g., Indecent Representation of Women Act, POCSO, Juvenile Justice Act).
      • Sensitive reporting protocols for:
        • Communal/religious issues (prioritize harmony and verify facts rigorously).
        • Court proceedings (respect sub-judice rules, avoid bias).
        • Privacy rights (especially non-public figures).
      • Emphasis:
        • No names/photos of victims, minors, or accused.
        • No speculative content affecting communal peace.

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Commitment to Society

BBN.news pledges to promote communal harmony, national unity, and responsible journalism. We respect privacy, reject sensationalism, and prioritize truth in service of the public interest.

Beas Bulletin Network
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
www.bbnnews.space
bbnnews1947@yahoo.com

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This Code of Ethics is inspired by the Digital News Publishers Association’s guidelines and adapted for BBN.news.