Sele Media Africa
Preamble
Sele Media Africa is an independent Pan-African news and media organisation committed to truth, dignity, accountability, and the amplification of unheard African voices. Our policies and standards exist to protect the public interest, guide ethical journalism, and ensure that our work contributes to justice rather than harm.
These policies apply to all staff, editors, correspondents, contributors, partners, and users engaging with Sele Media Africa across all platforms.
1. Diversity Policy
Sele Media Africa is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity in both newsroom practice and content.
- We recognise Africa’s ethnic, religious, cultural, gender, and linguistic diversity.
- We actively seek representation from marginalised and underreported communities.
- Discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, nationality, or social status is not tolerated.
Diversity at Sele Media Africa is not symbolic—it is essential to amplifying unheard African voices.
2. Editorial Standards & Ethics
Our journalism is guided by the highest ethical standards.
- Accuracy, fairness, independence, and accountability are non-negotiable.
- We separate facts from opinion and clearly label analysis and commentary.
- Conflicts of interest must be disclosed.
- Bribery, inducements, or paid influence are strictly prohibited.
Our ethical compass is public interest, not convenience or access.
3. Hate Speech & Bullying Policy
Sele Media Africa has zero tolerance for hate speech, harassment, or bullying.
We prohibit content that:
- Dehumanises or incites violence against individuals or groups
- Promotes hatred based on ethnicity, religion, gender, or identity
- Encourages intimidation or coordinated harassment
Robust debate is welcome. Dehumanisation is not.
4. Safety & Inappropriate Content Policy
We prioritise the safety, dignity, and mental well-being of audiences, sources, and journalists.
- Graphic, disturbing, or violent content is handled with restraint and warnings where necessary.
- We avoid sensationalism, especially in conflict and tragedy reporting.
- Content that could endanger lives or ongoing operations is withheld or responsibly delayed.
No story is worth unnecessary harm.
5. Copyright Policy
Sele Media Africa respects intellectual property rights.
- All original content is protected under applicable copyright laws.
- Third-party material is used only with permission, licence, or lawful fair use with attribution.
- Plagiarism is grounds for immediate disciplinary action.
We honour creativity—ours and others’.
6. Verification / Fact-Checking Policy
Truth is our foundation.
- All factual claims must be verified through credible sources.
- Claims from social media are treated with caution and independently verified.
- Editors are responsible for final verification before publication.
Speed never overrides accuracy.
7. Unnamed Sources Policy
Anonymous sources are used only when necessary and in the public interest.
- The editor must know the identity of unnamed sources.
- Anonymity is granted only when disclosure would pose real risk.
- We explain to audiences why anonymity was necessary.
Unnamed sources protect truth—not manipulation.
8. Corrections Policy
Sele Media Africa corrects errors promptly and transparently.
- Minor errors are corrected quickly.
- Significant errors carry a visible correction note.
- We do not silently edit substantive mistakes.
Accountability strengthens trust.
9. Actionable Feedback Policy
We value public engagement and accountability.
- Readers may submit feedback, complaints, or corrections in good faith.
- Feedback is reviewed fairly and without retaliation.
- Abuse, threats, or bad-faith attacks are not considered feedback.
Dialogue strengthens journalism.
10. Source Protection & Whistleblower Policy
Protecting sources is central to press freedom.
- We safeguard the confidentiality of sources and whistleblowers.
- Identities are disclosed only under lawful court orders after all legal protections are exhausted.
- Secure communication practices are encouraged.
Without protected sources, truth collapses.
11. Community Standards & Commenting Policy
Our platforms are spaces for respectful civic dialogue.
We prohibit:
- Hate speech, threats, harassment, or incitement
- Disinformation and coordinated manipulation
- Personal attacks and abusive language
We moderate to protect discourse—not suppress dissent.
12. Child Safeguarding & Vulnerable Persons Policy
Sele Media Africa applies heightened care when reporting on children and vulnerable persons.
- We avoid identifying minors involved in violence, abuse, or exploitation.
- Consent and dignity are paramount.
- Images or details that may cause harm are withheld.
Protection outweighs exposure.
13. Advertising & Sponsored Content Policy
Sele Media Africa maintains a strict separation between editorial content and advertising.
- Sponsored content is clearly labelled.
- Advertisers have no influence over editorial decisions.
- We reject advertising that promotes hate, violence, exploitation, or misinformation.
Revenue never buys silence.
Our Standards, Our Promise
These policies are not formalities.
They are commitments.
We commit to truth over power.
To people over propaganda.
To unheard African voices over dominant narratives.
