Editorial Policy

Editorial Policy

Kokstad Advertiser Editorial Policy – Updated May 2026

Introduction

Kokstad Advertiser is committed to delivering accurate, balanced, and community-focused journalism for Kokstad and surrounding areas.The platform provides local news, sport, community updates, business coverage, classifieds, and public interest reporting across digital platforms.

Our editorial processes are guided by ethical journalism standards and aligned with the Press Code of South Africa through membership with the Press Council of South Africa.

1. Editorial Oversight

• All published content is reviewed and approved by the editorial team before publication.
• Articles are fact-checked to ensure accuracy, fairness, and relevance to the community.
• Corrections or updates are made promptly and transparently where necessary.
• Contributors and journalists receive editorial guidance to maintain professional reporting standards.

2. Accuracy, Fairness & Impartiality

• Kokstad Advertiser strives to present news fairly, accurately, and without bias.
• We maintain neutrality regarding political and religious matters.
• Multiple perspectives may be included where appropriate to ensure balanced reporting.
• Headlines, images, and captions must accurately reflect the content of the article.

3. Mission & Community Commitment

Our mission is to inform, connect, and empower the Kokstad community through responsible local journalism.

We aim to:

• Highlight important community issues and achievements.
• Support local businesses, organisations, schools, and sports initiatives.
• Provide reliable information that serves the public interest.
• Uphold ethical journalism built on integrity, accountability, and trust.

4. Transparency & Sources

• Information is sourced from interviews, official statements, public records, community submissions, and verified reporting.
• Sponsored or promotional content will always be clearly identified.
• Contributors must disclose any conflicts of interest that may influence reporting.

5. Ethical Use of AI Tools

Kokstad Advertiser permits limited use of AI-assisted tools under strict editorial oversight.

Permitted Without Disclosure

• Spelling and grammar checks
• Headline suggestions
• Reference management
• Formatting assistance

Use Requiring Disclosure

• Translation
• Readability improvements
• Summarisation assistance
• Non-editorial image enhancement

Where disclosure is required, the following must be included internally or where appropriate:

• AI tool name and developer
• Date accessed
• General purpose of use

Strictly Prohibited

• Fully AI-generated news reporting
• AI-generated interviews or fabricated quotes
• Publishing AI-generated misinformation or manipulated factual content
• Uploading confidential unpublished material into AI systems without permission

All AI-assisted content must be reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication.

6. Corrections & Complaints

We welcome reader feedback and correction requests.

If you believe content is inaccurate or unfair, please contact the editorial team via:
info@kokstadadvertiser.co.za

• Corrections will be made transparently and as quickly as possible.
• Serious unresolved complaints may be referred to the Press Ombud in accordance with Press Council procedures.

7. Privacy, Dignity & Public Interest

• We respect the privacy and dignity of individuals, particularly minors and vulnerable persons.
• Content that promotes hatred, discrimination, violence, or misinformation will not be published.
• Identification of individuals will only occur where justified by legitimate public interest.

8. Editorial Independence

• Editorial decisions are made independently and are not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, political groups, or external parties.
• Advertising and sponsored content are clearly distinguished from editorial content.
• Contributors are expected to act honestly, ethically, and professionally at all times.

Reader-Friendly Summary

What Kokstad Advertiser Stands For

• Trusted Local News – Reporting that informs and serves the Kokstad community.
• Fair & Accurate Journalism – Balanced reporting guided by ethical standards.
• Community First – Supporting local voices, businesses, schools, and organisations.
• Responsible Technology Use – AI may assist with editing, never with replacing journalism.
• Transparency & Accountability – Corrections are welcomed and handled openly.
• Respect & Integrity – Protecting privacy, dignity, and public trust.