Our Commitment

ANN Times exists to report truthfully, independently, and without hidden influence. This policy outlines the ethical standards every member of our newsroom is expected to follow.

Conflicts of Interest

Our staff cannot participate in political groups, advocacy organizations, or any company or entity they may report on. We avoid anything that could compromise neutrality. If a potential conflict arises, it must be disclosed to senior editors immediately and the staff member is reassigned from the coverage.

Corrections and Accountability

When we make mistakes, we correct them openly.
Editors review every correction request, verify the issue, and update the content promptly.
If the error affects public understanding, we add a clear correction note at the end of the article.
Accountability is nonnegotiable. Accuracy comes before ego.

Use of AI Tools

Writers may use AI tools for:

  • research support
  • drafting assistance

But they cannot rely on AI for fact-checking or source validation.
Human editors and our standard sourcing process must verify all factual claims.
AI cannot replace independent judgment or journalistic responsibility.

Anonymous Sources

We use anonymous sources sparingly.
Anonymous attribution is allowed only when:

  • Disclosure could endanger the source
  • The source has direct knowledge
  • The information cannot be obtained any other way
  • editors can privately verify the identity and credibility of the source

We never rely on a single anonymous source for major claims.
Where possible, we seek corroboration from official records, expert insights, or additional witnesses.

Reporter Conduct

Everyone at ANN Times is expected to act with professionalism inside and outside the newsroom.
This includes:

  • no harassment, discrimination, or abuse
  • respectful behavior toward colleagues, sources, and the public
  • no manipulation, pressure, or deceptive reporting tactics
  • maintaining confidentiality where required
  • responsible and restrained social media activity that avoids partisan behavior or personal attacks

We represent ANN Times at all times, including online.

Sourcing Standards

Our reporting requires:

  • multiple official confirmations
  • independent verification wherever possible
  • expert consultation when covering technical, scientific, or specialized topics
  • no single-source stories for major claims

We avoid speculation, rumor, and unverified narratives.

Editorial and Business Separation

The editorial team operates independently from the business, advertising, and sponsored-content teams.
Editorial decisions are made solely for the public interest, not commercial benefit.
Advertisers do not influence coverage, angles, headlines, or publishing decisions.
When content is sponsored, it is labeled clearly so readers always know what they’re reading.

Privacy and Sensitive Topics

We take extra care with:

  • minors
  • victims of violence or accidents
  • private individuals pulled into public stories

We avoid publishing identifying details unless there is a strong public-interest justification.
Graphic content is used only when necessary to understand the story and always with editorial restraint.

Whistleblower Protection

If a whistleblower brings forward information of public importance, we protect their identity wherever possible.
We verify the claims, document our process, and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety and confidentiality.

Final Responsibility

Every journalist, editor, and contributor at ANN Times is responsible for upholding these standards.
Ethics are not optional.
Trust is earned through consistent behavior, and we take that responsibility seriously.