Effective Date: 1 February 2026 Governing Authority: Nepal Aaja Editorial Board
Preamble: Our Covenant of Trust
This Editorial Policy governs all content published on NepalAaja.com (news, analysis, opinion, multimedia, and data investigations). It serves as the ethical framework guiding our newsroom and a binding public commitment to accuracy, independence, and accountability.
This policy aligns with the Constitution of Nepal (Right to Freedom of Expression, Right to Information), the Code of Journalistic Ethics issued by the Press Council Nepal, and international best practices for investigative journalism.
1. Editorial Independence (The Firewall)
Nepal Aaja operates under a strict "Editorial Firewall." All editorial decisions are made solely by the Editorial Deskunder the authority of the Editor.
● Commercial Independence: Editorial judgment is never influenced by advertisers, sponsors, shareholders, or donors. We do not shape news to suit commercial interests.
● Political Non-Alignment: Nepal Aaja is not the mouthpiece of any political party, faction, or government body. We scrutinize all power centers equally.
● Owner Non-Interference: While Blue Brain Media Pvt. Ltd. owns the platform, the board of directors does not interfere in day-to-day news selection or investigative findings.
2. Verification & The "Evidence-First" Standard
We practice Evidence-First Journalism. We distinguish sharply between verified facts and claims.
● Documentary Verification: Whenever possible, reporting is anchored in primary documents (Audit Reports, Court Verdicts, Contracts, Budgets).
● Corroboration: Sensitive claims require at least two independent sources unless supported by irrefutable documentary evidence.
● Distinction of Allegation: We carefully distinguish between an allegation (a claim made by someone), a charge(formal legal filing), and a conviction (judicial ruling). We respect the Presumption of Innocence.
> Note: Hearsay, rumors, and unverified social media chatter are not published as news.
3. Content Classification (Legal Distinction)
To protect against misinterpretation and legal liability, we clearly classify content:
● News: Factual reporting based on verified evidence.
● Analysis: Interpretation of facts based on data and expertise.
● Opinion/Commentary: The specific view of an author or columnist. Opinions are afforded wider latitude for expression but must not contain libelous factual errors.
● Sponsored Content: Paid material clearly labeled as such.
4. Use of Anonymous Sources
We recognize that in Nepal’s political and bureaucratic climate, sources often face genuine risks (threats to safety or livelihood) for speaking the truth.
We grant anonymity only if:
- The information is of vital public interest.
- The information cannot be obtained through on-the-record channels.
- The source faces a distinct, verifiable threat.
- The Editor knows the identity of the source. (We do not publish information from sources unknown to the newsroom).
When anonymous sources are used, we will disclose the reason for anonymity to the reader (e.g., "The official requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak to the media").
5. Corrections, Clarifications & The Right of Reply
We are human, and we may make mistakes. When we do, we correct them transparently.
● Factual Errors: If we get a fact wrong (e.g., a name, date, or statistic), we will update the article and append a Correction Note at the bottom, stating what was changed and when.
● Clarifications: If a story is factually correct but lacks context, we may issue a clarification.
● Right of Reply: Individuals or institutions subject to critical reporting are afforded a fair opportunity to respond. If a response is received after publication, the story will be updated to reflect their stance.
Unpublishing Policy: We do not "unpublish" or delete articles simply because a subject regrets the publicity or considers it embarrassing. Archives are a matter of public record. Requests for removal are granted only in rare legal circumstances (e.g., court orders) or cases of severe identity risk.
6. Conflict of Interest
● Financial Disclosures: Journalists must not report on companies in which they or their immediate family hold shares or financial interests.
● Recusal: Staff must recuse themselves from stories involving close friends, relatives, or organizations they are affiliated with.
● Gifts & Favors: Nepal Aaja staff strictly do not accept cash, gifts, or paid trips in exchange for favorable coverage.
7. Sponsored Content & Advertising
To maintain trust, we strictly separate "Church and State" (Editorial and Advertising).
● labeling: All paid content is clearly tagged as "Sponsored," "Partner Content," or "Advertorial."
● Visual Distinction: Sponsored content uses different fonts or layout cues to distinguish it from news.
● No Influence: Advertisers have zero say in editorial content. We do not offer "pay-for-play" coverage.
8. Legal & Ethical Caution (The Shield)
● Sub Judice: We report on court cases based on filings and hearings but avoid publishing material that could prejudice a fair trial or constitute contempt of court.
● Privacy & Public Interest: We respect individual privacy. However, Public Interest (detecting crime, exposing corruption, or protecting public safety) supersedes the right to privacy for public figures and officials.
● Protection of Sources: We will resist, to the fullest extent of the law, any attempt to force the disclosure of confidential sources.
9. Grievance Redressal
If you believe a story breaches this policy, you may submit a formal complaint.
● Contact: [email protected]
● Subject: Editorial Grievance: [Article Title]
Complaints are reviewed by the Editorial Board. Frivolous legal threats are referred to our legal counsel.
This policy serves as the operational constitution of Nepal Aaja.