BWD Ethics & Standards Policy
Raw News, Real Buzz. At BuzzWire Daily, we deliver unfiltered urban news with an edge. However, “unfiltered” does not mean unethical. We operate with a strict code of conduct to ensure our reporting is fair, independent, and free from outside influence.
Our editorial team adheres to the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics.
1. Conflicts of Interest
Trust is our currency. Our readers must be confident that our coverage is driven by news value, not financial gain or personal relationships.
Financial Independence
BuzzWire Daily reporters and editors are prohibited from owning stock in or having a financial stake in the companies they cover. If a conflict is unavoidable (e.g., a reporter covering a family member involved in a local story), the staff member must recuse themselves from that assignment.
Political Neutrality
While we cover political movements and social justice issues passionately, our newsroom remains non-partisan. We do not donate to political campaigns or endorse candidates.
2. Gifts, Freebies & “Pay-to-Play”
We do not sell our integrity for a pair of sneakers or a backstage pass. Our policy on gifts is zero-tolerance.
THE NO-GIFT RULE
- No Cash or Gifts: Staff members may not accept cash, gifts, or merchandise from sources, advertisers, or subjects of coverage.
- Reviews: Products sent to BuzzWire Daily for review (e.g., tech gadgets, beauty products) are accepted only for testing purposes. We do not guarantee a positive review in exchange for the product.
- Travel & Access: We pay our own way. If we accept press credentials (e.g., for a music festival or court hearing), we do so only to facilitate access, not to guarantee favorable coverage.
3. Unbiased Reporting & Fairness
Being “Raw and Real” means showing the full picture, even when it is uncomfortable.
Right of Reply
If our reporting criticizes a person or organization, we make a genuine effort to contact them for comment before publication. We believe in giving every side a chance to speak.
Separating News from Sponsored Content
We maintain a strict “Church and State” separation between our Editorial team and our Advertising team.
- Advertorials: Any paid content is clearly labeled as “Sponsored,” “Partner Content,” or “Advertisement” at the top of the article.
- Influence: Advertisers have zero say in our editorial direction, news selection, or investigations.
4. Privacy & Dignity
We cover gritty, urban realities, often involving Crime and Tragedy. In these moments, we balance the public’s right to know with common decency.
- Victims: We treat victims of crime and tragedy with compassion. We do not publish graphic images of deceased individuals gratuitously.
- Minors: We exercise extreme caution when identifying minors involved in crime or sensitive situations, even if their names are released by authorities.
- Public Interest: Private individuals are not subjected to the same scrutiny as public figures (politicians, celebrities, influencers) unless their actions are a matter of significant public concern.
5. Hate Speech & Harassment
BuzzWire Daily is a platform for culture and conversation, not hate. We have a zero-tolerance policy for content that promotes violence, discrimination, or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This applies to our reporting and our user community.
Report an Ethics Violation
If you believe a BuzzWire Daily journalist has violated these standards, please report it directly to our Standards Editor.
Email: standards@buzzwiredaily.com