Code of Journalistic Ethics
The principles NewsHBO 24/7 sets for itself: accuracy, fairness, independence and honesty about what is fictional.
A news site is only as useful as its readers' trust. This code describes how NewsHBO 24/7 intends to work. In this illustrative launch edition the subjects are fictional, but the habits are the ones we would bring to real reporting.
Accuracy First
- We verify before we publish, and we say what we could not verify.
- We attribute claims to named or clearly described sources.
- We separate reporting from analysis and opinion, and label each.
- We never invent quotes, statistics or sources in real-world coverage.
Fairness and Dignity
Entertainment coverage touches real livelihoods. We aim to be critical without being cruel. We do not mock people for their appearance, health or private lives, and we give subjects of critical stories a fair chance to respond. Gossip that cannot be supported does not run.
Independence
NewsHBO 24/7 is independent and not affiliated with HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery or any studio, network or streamer. We do not accept gifts, trips or payment for coverage, and we will disclose any commercial relationship that could reasonably affect how a story reads. No advertising runs on the site today.
Sources and Confidentiality
We protect confidential sources when the risk to them is real and the information matters. We will explain why a source is unnamed, and we will not use anonymity to settle scores or to launder rumor. See the Scoop Tip Line for honest limits on what we can protect.
Honesty About Fiction
Everything in this launch edition is invented. We label it as such, and we will not blur the line by borrowing real names, real figures or real events. Where we use numbers to explain a concept, we mark them as hypothetical examples.
When We Get It Wrong
We correct errors promptly and visibly, as described in Corrections & Updates. Our verification process is set out in the Fact-Checking Policy.
Accountability
If you think we have fallen short of this code, tell us at [email protected] or [email protected]. A standard that nobody can test is only a slogan, so we welcome the challenge.