The Christchurch Chronicle adheres to a framework of ethical principles guiding its journalistic practice. These standards are foundational to the publication's operation, ensuring the integrity of the information presented to readership throughout Christchurch and Canterbury.
This document outlines the core values and editorial policies that govern our reporting, writing, and editorial decisions. Our objective is to produce accurate, fair, and independent journalism for the public interest in New Zealand.
All information published by the Christchurch Chronicle undergoes a rigorous fact-checking process. Our journalists are required to verify details, statistics, quotes, and claims before publication.
Primary sources are prioritised. When primary sources are unavailable, secondary sources are critically assessed for reliability and corroboration is sought from multiple independent avenues.
Mistakes, when identified, are promptly corrected following our established corrections policy. This mechanism ensures that factual errors are addressed transparently and efficiently.
The commitment to accuracy extends to headlines, captions, and all graphical elements accompanying textual content. Misleading presentations are avoided.
The Christchurch Chronicle is committed to balanced reporting. Our journalists present various perspectives on issues, particularly those involving controversy or significant public interest.
Individuals or organisations who are the subject of critical reporting are offered a reasonable opportunity to respond to allegations or criticisms. This "right of reply" is a standard practice in our newsgathering.
Context is provided to ensure that reports are understood within their proper framework. Unfair emphasis or selective omission of pertinent facts is strictly prohibited.
Our reporting distinguishes between factual reporting and analysis or commentary. Opinions are clearly labelled as such and are separate from factual news accounts.
The Christchurch Chronicle operates with complete editorial independence. While APG owns the publication, no commercial or political interests influence our journalistic decisions.
Our editorial team determines content solely based on newsworthiness and public interest. Advertisers, government entities, or other external pressures do not dictate coverage.
Revenue generation through advertising or partnerships does not affect the editorial agenda or the content our journalists produce. A strict separation is maintained.
Political affiliations or personal biases of individual journalists are declared where relevant and are not permitted to compromise the objectivity of their reporting.
The publication does not endorse political parties, candidates, or commercial products. Our role is to inform the public, not to promote specific agendas.
The Christchurch Chronicle acknowledges that errors can occur despite diligent efforts to ensure accuracy. When factual inaccuracies are identified, steps are taken to rectify them transparently.
Readers who identify potential errors are encouraged to contact the editorial team directly. All feedback regarding factual accuracy is investigated promptly.
Corrections are published in a timely manner and with appropriate prominence, consistent with the original error's visibility. Substantive errors will be corrected with an editor's note.
Minor typographical or grammatical errors may be corrected without explicit notation, provided they do not alter the meaning or factual accuracy of the content.
Our full corrections policy, outlining the process for submitting and handling correction requests, is available for review at christchurchchronicle.co.nz/corrections.
The Christchurch Chronicle upholds the principle of protecting confidential sources. Journalists will not reveal the identity of anonymous sources without their explicit consent or a court order.
Confidentiality is a critical component of encouraging individuals to share important information with the public, particularly concerning sensitive or public interest matters.
Sources are granted anonymity only when there is a clear public interest in the information being reported and when the source faces legitimate risks if their identity is revealed.
Our journalists strive to corroborate information from anonymous sources with other verifiable data before publication to maintain factual integrity.
Christchurch Chronicle journalists and editorial staff are required to avoid conflicts of interest, both real and perceived, that could compromise their journalistic integrity or the publication's credibility.
Conflicts of interest may include financial holdings, personal relationships, or participation in political activities that could influence reporting objectivity.
Staff members must disclose potential conflicts to their editors. Where a conflict exists, efforts are made to reassign coverage or implement other measures to mitigate any impact on impartiality.
Journalists do not accept gifts, favours, or special treatment from sources or subjects of coverage that could create an obligation or perception of bias.
The Christchurch Chronicle selectively employs artificial intelligence and advanced technological tools to assist in newsgathering, data analysis, and content optimisation.
AI is used as an aid for journalists, not as a replacement for human judgment or ethical responsibility. All AI-generated content is reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by human journalists before publication.
Transparency regarding the use of AI is maintained where it directly impacts content creation or presentation. Readers will be informed if significant portions of an article were substantially generated by AI.
We are wary of AI's potential for bias and inaccuracy. Our editorial processes include safeguards to detect and correct any such issues arising from technology use.
The ethical implications of AI in journalism are continuously evaluated. Our policies will adapt as technology evolves, always with human journalistic oversight at the forefront.
The Christchurch Chronicle is committed to accountability and transparent engagement with its readership. We view complaints as an opportunity to improve our journalistic standards and correct errors.
If you believe the Christchurch Chronicle has published inaccurate information, acted unfairly, or breached any of the editorial standards outlined in this document, you may submit a complaint.
Complaints should be directed to the editor. Please provide specific details, including the date of publication, the article title, and the nature of your concern, along with any supporting evidence.
All complaints are investigated by the editorial team. We strive to acknowledge receipt of complaints promptly and provide a substantive response within a reasonable timeframe.
Please address all formal complaints and feedback regarding our editorial practices via email to editor@christchurchchronicle.co.nz.