These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the relationship between The Guide (“we”, “our”, or “us”) and all reporters, journalists, contributors, and correspondents (“you”, “your”, or “reporter”) affiliated with or working under our editorial brand.
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By submitting content, accepting assignments, or publicly identifying with News Reporters, you agree to comply with the following terms.
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1. Engagement and Scope
Reporters may be engaged on a full-time, part-time, freelance, or contributing basis.
These Terms apply to all journalistic activities performed under the name or direction of The Guide.
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2. Content Ownership and Usage
All commissioned content is the intellectual property of News Reporters.
Freelancers or independent contributors retain ownership of original pitches unless commissioned; however, by submitting content for publication, you grant News Reporters a perpetual, royalty-free license to use, publish, and distribute the material.
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3. Journalistic Integrity
Reporters must uphold professional standards of accuracy, fairness, balance, and ethical reporting.
Plagiarism, misinformation, fabrication of facts, or manipulation of sources is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action or legal consequences.
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4. Editorial Review
All content is subject to review, editing, or rejection by News Reporters editorial team.
Final publishing decisions rest solely with our editorial leadership.
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5. Source and Information Management
You must ensure that sources are accurately represented and properly cited.
Confidential sources must be protected, and their identities withheld unless legally required to disclose or consent is given.
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6. Conflict of Interest
All reporters are expected to disclose conflicts of interest related to financial, political, or personal ties that may influence their reporting.
Accepting bribes or benefits in exchange for coverage is strictly forbidden.
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7. Professional Conduct
You are expected to represent News Reporters with integrity in public, online, and during fieldwork.
Hate speech, harassment, or unprofessional conduct under News Reporters name is not tolerated.
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8. Use of Technology
Use of AI-generated content, automated writing tools, or third-party data tools must be approved by the editorial team and disclosed when applicable.
Reporters must not publish unverified or algorithmically manipulated content.
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9. Termination
The Guide may terminate your engagement without prior notice in the event of misconduct, breach of these terms, or reputational risk.
You may also resign at any time with written notice.