Our Standards, Our Commitments.
The principles, processes, and commitments that govern every editorial decision at Bharat Chronicle.
Accuracy & Commitment to Truth
Bharat Chronicle's first obligation is to the truth. We believe that a well-informed public is essential to a functioning democracy, and that journalism's most important contribution is the provision of accurate, verified, contextualised information.
Every factual claim published on Bharat Chronicle must be supported by at least two independent, primary sources unless it is a matter of unambiguous public record. When in doubt, we do not publish.
How We Verify
Editorial Independence
Bharat Chronicle's newsroom operates independently of its commercial, advertising, and ownership interests. Editorial decisions are made exclusively by editors. No advertiser, investor, or government body influences our coverage decisions.
We maintain a strict separation between news and business operations. Advertisers cannot purchase editorial coverage. Government departments cannot suppress or shape stories. Political parties receive no privileged access or favourable treatment.
Ownership Disclosure
Bharat Chronicle Media Private Limited is 78% owned by the BC Media Trust, a non-profit journalism trust incorporated under the Companies Act 2013. The Trust's mandate prohibits editorial interference by any trustee. Full ownership disclosures are published in our annual transparency report.
Sources & Verification Protocol
We identify sources by name and title wherever possible. Anonymous sources are used only when information is of significant public interest and the source would face retaliation if named. The decision to grant anonymity must be approved by a senior editor.
Corrections Policy
When we are wrong, we say so clearly and quickly. Corrections are not a sign of weakness — they are the mechanism through which public trust is maintained.
Diversity & Representation
India's plurality is not a challenge to be managed — it is the story. Our editorial commitment to representation reflects our conviction that journalism which centres only certain voices, regions, or communities is incomplete journalism.
AI & Automation Policy
We use artificial intelligence as a tool to assist journalists, not to replace them. No story published by Bharat Chronicle is written solely by an AI system. All AI-assisted content is reviewed, edited, and carries the byline of a human journalist who takes editorial responsibility for it.
Any article where AI tools materially contributed to the drafting of content (not just research or fact-checking) will carry a disclosure label. We do not use AI to generate quotes, fabricate sources, or create fictional events.
Conflicts of Interest
All editorial staff are required to disclose any financial, personal, or professional relationships that could create, or appear to create, a conflict of interest with their coverage areas. These disclosures are maintained by the Ethics Committee.
Opinion vs News
Opinion content on Bharat Chronicle is clearly labelled and visually differentiated from news reporting. Opinion authors speak for themselves, not for the publication. Editorials labelled "Bharat Chronicle Editorial" represent the institutional view of the newspaper's editorial board.
Privacy & Source Protection
We do not reveal the identities of confidential sources under any circumstances, including legal compulsion. Our source protection policies comply with the highest international standards for journalist-source privilege.
We publish the names of private individuals only when their names are essential to the public interest of the story. We exercise special care around the identification of minors, victims of crime, and individuals in vulnerable situations.
Complaints & Feedback
Readers who believe we have made an error, violated our editorial standards, or acted unfairly are invited to contact our Reader's Editor — an independent position with the authority to investigate complaints and require corrections.
