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Editorial Standards and Principles of Novyny.LIVE

1. General Provisions

These Standards define the principles of professional integrity, independence, and ethical conduct that all members of the Novyny.LIVE editorial staff are required to follow.

This document is applied together with the Internal Code of Ethics, editorial standards, and the company’s internal policies.

2. Legal Framework

The activities of Novyny.LIVE journalists are carried out in accordance with:

• the Constitution of Ukraine;
• the laws of Ukraine “On Information,” “On Media,” “On Printed Mass Media (Press) in Ukraine,” “On Television and Radio Broadcasting” (to the extent applicable), and “On Personal Data Protection”;
• the norms of civil, criminal, and administrative legislation;
• international standards of freedom of speech and journalistic ethics.

3. Editorial Independence

The Novyny.LIVE editorial office is independent in making editorial decisions. Any direct or indirect influence on content from the following is prohibited:

• state authorities and local self-government bodies;
• political parties and public officials;
• advertisers, sponsors, or other interested parties.

Editorial decisions may not be made in exchange for material or non-material benefits.

4. Conflict of Interest

Journalists and editors are required to avoid actual or potential conflicts of interest.

A conflict of interest includes, in particular:

• personal, family, or financial ties with the subjects of stories;
• participation in business, civic, or political activities related to topics being covered;
• accepting gifts, services, or benefits that may affect objectivity.

A journalist must immediately inform the editorial manager of the existence or possibility of a conflict of interest.

5. Prohibition of Personal Gain

A Novyny.LIVE journalist has no right to:

• use their official position for personal enrichment;
• receive unlawful compensation for creating or not creating materials;
• use non-public or official information for their own interests or in the interests of third parties.

Such actions may result in disciplinary, civil, or criminal liability in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine.

6. Relations with Sources of Information

Interaction with sources of information is based on the principles of legality, voluntariness, and transparency.

It is prohibited to:

• promise favorable coverage in exchange for information;
• mislead sources as to the purpose of collecting information;
• conceal journalistic status, except in cases expressly permitted by law.

The confidentiality of sources is protected in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine.

7. Public Conduct and Reputation

Any public activity of a journalist, including on social media, must comply with the standards of Novyny.LIVE and must not damage trust in the editorial office.

Personal statements must not:

• undermine the editorial office’s impartiality;
• create the impression of political or ideological bias;
• discredit the journalistic profession.

8. Participation in External Activities

The participation of journalists in public, expert, advisory, or other external structures is permitted only if it:

• does not contradict the legislation of Ukraine;
• does not create a conflict of interest;
• does not undermine trust in the editorial office.

Where necessary, such participation must be approved by the editorial management.

9. Accuracy and Responsibility

Novyny.LIVE journalists bear personal responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of published information.

If inaccurate information is disseminated, the editorial office is required to act in accordance with the requirements of Ukrainian law regarding corrections and the right of reply.

10. Oversight and Responsibility

Compliance with these Standards is supervised by the editorial management.

Violations may serve as grounds for:

• internal disciplinary measures;
• review of functional duties;
• other actions предусмотренные трудовым договором и законодательством Украины.

Compliance with these Standards is a mandatory condition of work at Novyny.LIVE.

Conscious and systematic violation of integrity principles is incompatible with the professional activity of a journalist in the editorial office.

Ethical Standards

Novyny.LIVE journalists are required to adhere to an ethical approach in their interaction with their audience, guests, and program participants.

Journalistic ethics are based on the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, impartiality, fairness, and responsibility. They also require minimizing possible harm.

One of the key tasks of Novyny.LIVE is to create an information environment that allows viewers to draw their own conclusions.

Regardless of a guest’s statements or the tension of a discussion, journalists must refrain from personal insults. At the same time, this does not mean that a guest may fully control the broadcast. In cases of disinformation or manipulation by a guest, the journalist is obliged to draw attention to this and respond appropriately.

Ethical treatment of program participants also requires the editorial office to explain to potential guests exactly which program they will participate in and in what context, and to inform them about other participants in the Novyny.LIVE broadcast.

Internal Code of Ethics for Novyny.LIVE Journalists

1. General Principles

Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are core values of the work of Novyny.LIVE journalists. The editorial office acts in the public interest and ensures the audience’s right to receive complete, reliable, and objective information.

2. Respect for Private Life

Novyny.LIVE journalists are required to treat private life with respect. Interference with privacy is permitted only where the public significance of the information outweighs the individual’s private interests and complies with the law.

3. Court Proceedings and Presumption of Innocence

Coverage of court cases is carried out impartially. Individuals may not be called criminals until the relevant court decision has been adopted and entered into legal force.

4. Sources of Information

Novyny.LIVE journalists do not disclose sources of information except in cases provided for by Ukrainian law or with the voluntary consent of the source.

5. Accuracy and Verification of Information

Respect for the public’s right to truthful information is the primary duty of a journalist. The editorial office must verify the authenticity of all materials, including those received from third parties, freelancers, press services, social media, and other sources.

6. Separation of Content and Advertising

Informational, analytical, and authored materials must be clearly separated from advertising or sponsored content through appropriate labeling.

7. Editorial Processing

Editorial processing of materials (headlines, texts, photos, videos, graphics) must not distort meaning or mislead the audience. The editorial office is obliged to inform the audience about reconstructions, staged footage, or recreated events.

8. Facts, Opinions, and Assumptions

Facts, value judgments, and assumptions must be clearly distinguished. The dissemination of information showing bias, manipulation, or unfounded accusations is prohibited.

9. Balance of Opinions

Novyny.LIVE ensures the presentation of different points of view, including the positions of persons who are the subject of criticism, as well as the opinions of independent experts.

10. Sociology and Surveys

Selective or manipulative citation of sociological studies is unacceptable. Journalistic surveys may not be fabricated or used to obtain predetermined results.

11. Correction of Errors

If inaccurate information is identified, the editorial office is obliged to correct it in a timely and proper manner and inform the audience accordingly.

12. Methods of Gathering Information

Novyny.LIVE journalists act exclusively within the framework of Ukrainian law. Hidden methods of gathering information may be used only in exceptional cases where socially important information cannot be obtained by other means.

13. Copyright

Plagiarism and the appropriation of other people’s materials or ideas are unacceptable and incompatible with work in the Novyny.LIVE editorial office.

14. Non-Discrimination

The editorial office does not permit discrimination on any grounds. Mentioning a person’s characteristics is allowed only when such characteristics are directly relevant to the content of the material. Offensive expressions, hate speech, and obscene language are prohibited.

15. Editorial Independence

A journalist cannot be required to carry out assignments that contradict their professional principles or this Code. The editorial office resists all forms of external pressure or interference in content.

16. Conflict of Interest and Benefits

Receiving unlawful material compensation, benefits, or other advantages for creating or not creating materials is prohibited. A journalist may not use their official position or non-public information for personal interests.

17. Coverage of Topics Related to Children

When working on topics concerning minors, Novyny.LIVE journalists are required to observe heightened standards of caution. The identification of children in the context of violence or unlawful acts is prohibited without legal grounds and the consent of lawful representatives.

18. Use of Artificial Intelligence

Any content (text, image, audio, or video) wholly or partially created using generative AI must be clearly labeled.

The use of AI to create false events, distort the words of real people, or manipulate context in a way that may mislead the audience is unacceptable.

When using AI for data processing, journalists must ensure that it does not violate the intellectual property rights of third parties.

19. Work in Conditions of Armed Conflict

Staff members are required to use personal protective equipment (body armor, helmets marked "PRESS") and hold the relevant accreditation from the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Strict compliance with the rules on publishing information established by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is mandatory.

When working at shelling sites or with relatives of the deceased, a journalist must act with maximum sensitivity. It is prohibited to publish photos or videos showing details of the bodies of the deceased or to exploit people’s grief.

The editorial office adheres to the norms of the Geneva Conventions. Interviews with prisoners of war must be conducted without pressure, and their display must not degrade human dignity.

Journalists must avoid stereotypes regarding internally displaced persons (IDPs), residents of occupied territories, or people with disabilities resulting from war.

In cases covering conflict-related sexual violence or other serious crimes, the editorial office guarantees complete confidentiality to victims (changing names, blurring faces, altering voices) at their request.

20. Appearance

The Novyny.LIVE editorial office does not impose strict dress code restrictions. The appearance of staff on air must comply with the principles of professional ethics and common sense.

Clothing must not distract the audience from the substance of the discussion. The use of wardrobe elements with political slogans or inscriptions showing a personal position or not corresponding to the context of the event is strictly prohibited.

The same requirements apply to program guests: appearing on air in clothing with extremist symbols or obscene expressions is unacceptable.

21. Compliance with the Code

Conscious violation of this Code is incompatible with professional activity in the Novyny.LIVE editorial office and may serve as grounds for disciplinary decisions.

Advertising and Commercial Content

1. General Provisions

This section defines the principles, rules, and restrictions regarding the placement of advertising and commercial content across all Novyny.LIVE media platforms.

This section applies to the Novyny.LIVE website, social media pages, video platforms, special projects, and other content distribution channels.

In its advertising activities, Novyny.LIVE is guided by the applicable legislation of Ukraine, these Standards, and the principles of editorial independence.

Advertising (advertising content) means information about a person, product, service, or brand distributed for the purpose of creating or maintaining audience interest.

Commercial advertising means advertising intended to generate profit for the advertiser.

Social advertising means information of public benefit that is not intended to generate profit.

Hidden advertising means presenting advertising information without proper labeling or under the guise of editorial material.

Native advertising means advertising content integrated into the platform format and subject to mandatory labeling.

2. General Principles of Novyny.LIVE Advertising Policy

Novyny.LIVE carries out advertising activities in compliance with the principles of:

• audience trust;
• editorial independence;
• responsibility for social impact;
• accuracy and transparency;
• respect for human rights and dignity.

Advertising content may not:

• influence editorial policy;
• shape or adjust the news agenda;
• create a conflict of interest.

The sales department and the editorial office function independently. Editorial staff are not involved in the preparation or implementation of commercial projects.

3. Types of Advertising

The following types of advertising may be placed on Novyny.LIVE platforms:

• commercial advertising;
• social advertising;
• sponsorship;
• native advertising (with mandatory labeling);
• special projects;
• banner advertising;
• video advertising (pre-roll, mid-roll, pause-roll, etc.);
• branding of sections and special formats.

4. Restrictions on Advertisers and Content

Novyny.LIVE does not place advertising for:

• weapons and ammunition;
• alcohol and tobacco products;
• narcotic and psychotropic substances;
• gambling and lotteries;
• intimate services;
• political and religious advertising;
• goods and companies from the aggressor state;
• other goods and services prohibited by law.

Cooperation with financial institutions, companies in real estate, FMCG, HORECA, and other sensitive categories is allowed only with the approval of Novyny.LIVE management.

Novyny.LIVE reserves the right to refuse advertising placement without explanation if such advertising may cause reputational harm.

5. Procedure for Advertising Placement

Advertising may be placed across all Novyny.LIVE platforms in accordance with concluded agreements.

The advertiser has no right to:

• interfere in editorial decisions;
• demand editorial-type publications;
• influence journalists or presenters.

In the event of reputational risks, Novyny.LIVE has the right to terminate cooperation early in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

6. Social Advertising

Novyny.LIVE supports the placement of social advertising, particularly in the following areas:

• human rights;
• anti-corruption activities;
• freedom of speech;
• education and healthcare;
• support for IDPs, the army, culture, and sports.

Social advertising is subject to mandatory labeling.

The placement of social advertising free of charge or with a discount of up to 99% is carried out by decision of Novyny.LIVE management.

7. Labeling and Prohibitions

All advertising materials must be clearly identified as advertising.

It is prohibited to use:

• hidden advertising;
• product placement;
• advertising that appeals to fear or contains aggression or discrimination;
• advertising that misleads the audience.

Advertising must not interfere with the perception of the main editorial content.

Quality and Pricing Requirements

• Advertising materials must comply with the technical and quality requirements of Novyny.LIVE.
• Novyny.LIVE reserves the right to refuse the placement of advertising content that does not meet quality standards.
• Commercial advertising is placed exclusively on a paid basis.
• Prices and terms are determined by Novyny.LIVE management taking market conditions into account.

Public Representatives of Novyny.LIVE

• Journalists, presenters, and other public representatives of Novyny.LIVE may not engage in commercial cooperation with advertisers without prior approval from management.
• The use of the Novyny.LIVE brand in personal advertising activities without permission is prohibited.

Recommendations on the Use of Social Media for the Novyny.LIVE Editorial Office

1. The Role of Social Media in Editorial Work

Social media are an important tool in the journalistic work of Novyny.LIVE. They are used to distribute editorial materials, provide оперативные updates, collect and verify information, develop sources, interact with the audience, and experiment with content formats.

Social platforms also make it possible to expand the audience and involve users in the information process.

2. Risks and Responsibility

Any public activity of journalists on social media directly affects the reputation of Novyny.LIVE. Expressions of bias, participation in political campaigning, emotional or inappropriate statements can undermine trust in the editorial office as a whole.

3. General Principles of Conduct

Novyny.LIVE journalists are required to refrain from publications and actions on social media that may harm the reputation of the editorial office as an independent, impartial, and responsible media outlet.

These recommendations apply to all editorial staff regardless of position, area of work, or subject matter of materials.

4. Political Neutrality

The following are prohibited on social media:

• expressing party or political preferences;
• supporting or criticizing specific political figures, parties, or movements;
• publishing content that may be perceived as political campaigning.

Journalists must be especially careful with topics that the editorial office covers or plans to cover objectively.

5. Public Nature of Personal Accounts

Journalists’ personal social media pages are not private spaces. Everything that is published, shared, or endorsed with likes may be perceived by the audience as the position of Novyny.LIVE.

Any activity on social media must comply with editorial standards.

6. Interaction with the Audience

Journalists must behave correctly and respectfully when communicating with users.

In the event of criticism of materials or questions from the audience, responses must be restrained, professional, and free of a dismissive tone.

If comments are aggressive, offensive, or contain threats, the journalist has the right not to respond and may also block or restrict access for such users.

7. Safety

In cases of online threats, harassment, or coordinated attacks, a journalist must immediately report this to their direct supervisor or responsible persons in the editorial office.

The editorial office takes measures to protect staff safety.

8. Priority of Editorial Platforms

Social media are an important channel for distributing information; however, in most cases exclusive materials should first be published on Novyny.LIVE’s own platforms.

A decision on primary publication on social media is made in consultation with editorial management.

9. Accuracy and Verification

Journalists must be especially careful when sharing materials from other media or external sources. Publishing or reposting unverified information may be perceived as confirmation of that information by Novyny.LIVE.

10. Balance and Diversity of Sources

Content shared on social media should reflect different points of view. Systematic reference to only one side of a discussion may create an impression of bias.

11. Correction of Errors

If erroneous or incorrect information is published on social media, the journalist must promptly correct the mistake and inform the audience in a transparent and understandable manner.

12. Experiments with Formats

The editorial office encourages the use of social media for experimenting with material presentation, style, and interaction with the audience. At the same time, such experiments must not turn into the publication of value judgments, editorial positions, or personal opinions on topics requiring neutral coverage.

13. Self-Check Before Publication

Before posting, a journalist should ask themselves the following questions:

• does this content comply with Novyny.LIVE standards;
• could it be perceived as biased;
• could it damage trust in the editorial office;
• could it complicate colleagues’ work;
• what impression does the entire publication feed create overall.

If doubts arise, the journalist should seek advice from a manager or editor.

14. Relation to the Code of Ethics

These recommendations are part of the overall system of Novyny.LIVE editorial standards and are applied together with the Internal Code of Ethics for Journalists.