Pondoland Times Editorial Policy (2025)
Empowering Rural Voices Through Ethical Journalism and AI-Enhanced Storytelling
1. Purpose and Vision
Pondoland Times exists to serve the people of the Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo Districts and surrounding rural communities with fact-based, inclusive, and relevant journalism. This editorial policy guides how we gather, produce, and share content across print, digital, and social platforms. It incorporates ethical standards, community engagement, and the responsible use of AI tools to strengthen editorial quality and local impact.
2. Core Editorial Principles
- Accuracy & Truthfulness: All content must be verified using multiple credible sources, with the support of AI-assisted fact-checking tools where appropriate.
- Independence: Editorial decisions are free from undue influence by advertisers, political actors, or stakeholders.
- Fairness & Balance: All stories must present multiple perspectives, especially in matters of public interest.
- Transparency: Clearly distinguish between news, opinion, sponsored content, and AI-assisted content.
- Respect & Sensitivity: We report with care, especially on topics involving trauma, children, marginalised groups, or sensitive community issues.
3. AI-Enhanced Reporting Guidelines
- AI Use Policy: AI tools (e.g., for transcription, summarisation, translation, or content suggestions) may support — but never replace — human editorial judgment.
- Disclosure: Any article significantly enhanced or generated with AI assistance must be clearly labeled.
- Verification: All AI-generated outputs must be fact-checked and edited by human journalists before publication.
- Bias Monitoring: We actively audit AI tools to detect and correct potential bias, especially against rural, indigenous, or underserved voices.
4. Editorial Structure & Content Categories
| Category | Policy Notes |
| News | Must be fact-based, timely, and unbiased. Local issues are prioritised. |
| Opinion | Must be clearly labeled and separated from news. Diverse voices are welcomed. |
| Community Voices | Features stories, poetry, essays, and reflections from youth and rural readers. |
| AI-Assisted | Clearly marked as ‘AI-Assisted’, with editorial oversight guaranteed. |
| Sponsored Content | Must be labeled ‘Sponsored’ and should not mimic editorial voice or layout. |
5. Digital & Social Media Guidelines
- Engagement: Foster respectful, inclusive online conversations.
- Moderation: Remove hate speech, misinformation, or spam in reader comments.
- Corrections: Promptly correct factual errors across platforms.
- Verification: Social media content must adhere to the same fact-checking standards as print and web.
6. Conflict of Interest & Editorial Independence
All contributors must disclose affiliations that may influence coverage. Reporters must recuse themselves from assignments where bias or perception of bias exists.
7. Originality, Attribution & Copyright
No plagiarism. All contributors must produce original work and credit all sources. Respect copyright laws and license AI content appropriately.
8. Community Development Commitment
Pondoland Times serves as:
– A platform for youth writers, journalism interns, and local contributors.
– A vehicle to bridge the digital divide, by delivering content in English and isiXhosa.
– A digital-first, print-supported publication that reflects the realities of rural life.
9. Review & Policy Updates
This editorial policy is reviewed annually in collaboration with editorial staff, AI ethics consultants, and the community we serve.
Closing Statement
By contributing to or working with Pondoland Times, you agree to uphold the standards and ethical responsibilities outlined in this policy, ensuring rural voices are amplified with integrity, innovation, and heart.