Introduction

Navin Awaz News Media Pvt Ltd (“Navin Awaz,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a news and media company dedicated to delivering credible, ethical, and impactful journalism to inform and engage our audience. This Code of Conduct outlines the principles, standards, and expectations governing the behavior of all individuals associated with Navin Awaz, including employees, contractors, contributors, partners, and users interacting with our platforms (e.g., website, mobile apps, social media channels). The Code is designed to uphold our commitment to journalistic integrity, transparency, and respect while fostering a professional and inclusive environment.

This Code aligns with the Norms of Journalistic Conduct established by the Press Council of India, complies with Indian laws (e.g., Press Council Act, 1978; Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023), and reflects global best practices in media ethics. It applies to all professional activities, including reporting, content creation, partnerships, and audience engagement. Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, termination of partnerships, or legal consequences, depending on the severity and context.

Core Principles

Navin Awaz News Media Pvt Ltd operates under the following guiding principles:

  1. Integrity: We uphold truthfulness, accuracy, and fairness in all journalistic endeavors.
  2. Independence: We maintain editorial independence, free from undue influence by political, commercial, or personal interests.
  3. Respect: We foster an inclusive environment, treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of race, religion, gender, or other characteristics.
  4. Transparency: We disclose conflicts of interest, issue corrections promptly, and engage with our audience openly.
  5. Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions, content, and their impact on society.
Scope and Applicability

This Code applies to:

  • Employees and Contractors: All staff, including journalists, editors, producers, and administrative personnel, whether full-time, part-time, or freelance.
  • Contributors: Guest writers, columnists, photographers, or other content creators submitting work to Navin Awaz.
  • Partners: Event, content, or reporting partners collaborating on non-monetary or commercial terms.
  • Users: Individuals engaging with our platforms through comments, submissions, or social media interactions.

The Code governs conduct in professional settings, including workplaces, events, digital platforms, and external interactions representing Navin Awaz.

Standards of Conduct
1. Journalistic Integrity
  • Accuracy and Fact-Checking: All content must be verified for accuracy using credible sources. Journalists must cross-check facts, quotes, and data before publication. Errors must be corrected promptly with a published clarification or apology.
  • Fairness and Balance: Reporting should present multiple perspectives when covering controversial issues. Avoid sensationalism, bias, or undue emphasis on one viewpoint unless clearly labeled as opinion.
  • Source Protection: Protect the confidentiality of sources, especially whistleblowers or vulnerable individuals, in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
  • Plagiarism and Attribution: All content must be original or properly attributed. Plagiarism, fabrication, or misrepresentation of sources is strictly prohibited.
  • Corrections: Errors or inaccuracies must be reported to the editorial team immediately. Corrections will be issued transparently, with a note explaining the change.
2. Editorial Independence
  • Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Disclose any personal, financial, or professional relationships that could influence reporting. Employees and contributors must not accept gifts, favors, or incentives that compromise impartiality.
  • Separation of Advertising and Editorial: Editorial content must remain independent of advertising or sponsored content. Sponsored materials will be clearly labeled as such.
  • Political Neutrality: Navin Awaz does not endorse political parties or candidates. Opinion pieces may express views, but news reporting must remain impartial.
  • External Pressure: Resist undue influence from government, corporations, or other entities. Report any attempts to manipulate coverage to the editorial board.
3. Respect and Inclusivity
  • Non-Discrimination: Treat all individuals with respect, regardless of race, religion, gender, caste, sexual orientation, disability, or other characteristics. Content and interactions must avoid stereotypes, hate speech, or discriminatory language.
  • Harassment-Free Environment: Harassment, bullying, or intimidation in any form (verbal, physical, or digital) is unacceptable. This includes workplace interactions and online engagement with audiences.
  • Accessibility: Ensure content and events are accessible to diverse audiences, including those with disabilities (e.g., providing subtitles for videos, wheelchair access for events).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect cultural, religious, and social norms when reporting, especially in diverse communities, while maintaining journalistic rigor.
4. Transparency and Accountability
  • Disclosure: Clearly label opinion pieces, sponsored content, or third-party contributions to distinguish them from news reporting.
  • Engagement with Audience: Respond to audience feedback professionally, addressing concerns or complaints promptly. Public complaints will be handled through designated channels (e.g., hello@navinawaznews.com).
  • Corrections and Retractions: Issue corrections or retractions for significant errors, with updates published on the relevant platform.
  • Data Protection: Handle personal data in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Protect user and source information from unauthorized access or disclosure.
5. Professional Conduct
  • Workplace Behavior: Maintain professionalism in all interactions, including punctuality, collaboration, and adherence to deadlines.
  • Social Media Use: Employees and contributors must adhere to this Code when posting on personal or professional social media accounts representing Navin Awaz. Avoid sharing unverified information or engaging in inflammatory debates.
  • Confidentiality: Protect proprietary information, unpublished content, and internal communications. Non-disclosure agreements may be required for sensitive projects.
  • Compliance with Laws: Adhere to Indian laws, including defamation, obscenity, and sedition provisions under the Indian Penal Code, as well as media regulations under the Press Council Act, 1978.
User and Community Engagement
Community Guidelines

Users interacting with Navin Awaz’s platforms (e.g., commenting, submitting content) must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Respectful Communication: Avoid hate speech, personal attacks, or discriminatory language.
  • No Misinformation: Do not share unverified or misleading information, including rumors or false claims.
  • Relevance: Comments or submissions should be relevant to the content or topic.
  • No Spam: Refrain from posting unauthorized advertisements, repetitive comments, or irrelevant links.

Navin Awaz reserves the right to moderate, remove, or block user-generated content that violates these guidelines. Repeated violations may result in restricted access to our platforms.

User Submissions
  • Users submitting content (e.g., story tips, photos, letters to the editor) grant Navin Awaz a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, edit, and publish the material with appropriate attribution, unless anonymity is requested and approved.
  • Submissions must comply with this Code and applicable laws. Navin Awaz is not obligated to publish user submissions and retains editorial discretion.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Event, Content, and Reporting Partners

Partners collaborating with Navin Awaz (e.g., for events, co-created content, or data sharing) must:

  • Align with our values of integrity, independence, and respect.
  • Disclose any conflicts of interest or affiliations that could affect the partnership.
  • Adhere to agreed-upon roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards outlined in partnership agreements or Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
  • Avoid using partnerships for undue commercial or political gain.
Third-Party Content

Third-party contributors (e.g., guest writers, syndicated media) must adhere to Navin Awaz’s editorial standards, including accuracy, originality, and non-discrimination. Navin Awaz is not liable for violations by third parties but will take corrective action if standards are breached.

Enforcement and Consequences
Reporting Violations
  • Employees, contributors, or users witnessing violations of this Code should report them to the Ethics Officer at hello@navinawaznews.com or through an internal reporting mechanism.
  • Reports will be handled confidentially, with protection for whistleblowers against retaliation.
Disciplinary Actions

Violations of this Code may result in:

  • Employees/Contractors: Verbal or written warnings, suspension, or termination, depending on severity.
  • Contributors/Partners: Termination of collaboration, removal of content, or public clarification.
  • Users: Removal of content, temporary or permanent bans from platforms, or legal action for serious violations (e.g., defamation, hate speech).
  • Decisions will be made by the Ethics Committee, comprising senior editors and management, with appeals available through a formal process.
Appeals Process

Individuals disciplined under this Code may appeal within 14 days by submitting a written request to hello@navinawaznews.com. Appeals will be reviewed by an independent panel, and decisions will be communicated within 30 days.

Training and Compliance
  • Onboarding: All employees, contractors, and contributors will receive training on this Code during onboarding.
  • Annual Refresher: Mandatory annual training to reinforce ethical standards and address updates.
  • Partners and Users: Partners will receive a copy of this Code, and users will be directed to it via our platforms.
Amendments

Navin Awaz reserves the right to update this Code of Conduct, with changes effective upon posting to our website. Significant changes will be communicated to employees, contributors, and partners with 30 days’ notice. Continued engagement with Navin Awaz constitutes acceptance of the updated Code.

Governing Law

This Code is governed by the laws of India. Disputes arising from its interpretation or enforcement will be resolved through negotiation, with escalation to courts in [insert city, e.g., New Delhi], India, if necessary.

Contact Information

For questions, reports, or feedback regarding this Code of Conduct, contact:

Navin Awaz News Media Pvt Ltd
Email: hello@navinawaznews.com

We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic ethics and fostering a respectful, transparent, and accountable environment for all stakeholders.

Last Updated: October 5, 2025