Editorial Standards

Voice of AP — For the truth. For the people.

At Voice of AP, our primary goal is to give people information that is true, timely, responsible and impartial. Before we publish any story, our editorial approach is to examine its reliability as far as possible, reflect the views of relevant parties, and keep the public interest first.

1. Verification of facts

We verify the news, statistics, statements and significant allegations we publish through trustworthy sources as far as possible.

For major stories, we give priority to sources such as:

• Official government statements
• Information from the police or related departments
• Court documents
• Recognised news organisations
• Eyewitnesses
• Official statements from the people or organisations concerned

2. A clear line between news and opinion

News reports are based on facts.

We clearly label Editorial, Opinion, Analysis and Discussion content so readers can tell the difference between factual news and opinion.

3. Political neutrality

Voice of AP does not serve as a propaganda platform for any political party, leader or particular political ideology.

We aim to publish news about the government, opposition and other public representatives on the basis of public interest, facts and news value.

On disputed matters, our goal is to give the parties concerned an opportunity to respond.

4. The voice of local people

Voice of AP gives special priority to the problems, development, opportunities and local events of the people of Andhra Pradesh.

From village to district, people can share with us their:

• Local problems
• Road and infrastructure issues
• Water problems
• Complaints about government services
• Education and livelihood issues
• Suggestions for development
• Matters of public interest

Information received from the public is not published as news immediately. We consider it for publication only after examining its accuracy as far as possible.

5. Correction of errors

When we identify a significant factual error in a story we have published, we try to correct it promptly.

Where needed, we make the change clear in the form of a Correction, Update or Clarification.

Readers also have the opportunity to bring errors to our attention.

6. Confidentiality of sources

We respect the safety and privacy of people who provide information in the public interest.

Where necessary, and in line with legal and editorial standards, we may keep the identity of sources confidential.

However, we do not irresponsibly publish anonymous allegations that cannot be substantiated.

7. Allegations and disputed stories

When there are serious allegations against a person or organisation, we try to verify them and, where possible, obtain a response from the person or organisation concerned.

We do not describe someone facing allegations as guilty until a court has found them guilty.

8. Children and sensitive subjects

In stories involving children, survivors of sexual offences, survivors of domestic violence and other sensitive situations, we treat personal privacy with the greatest care.

We do not disclose identity where the law or a clear public interest does not permit it.

9. Violent and distressing imagery

We do not publish extreme imagery related to accidents, crime or violence merely for views or engagement.

We use such material only when it is necessary to inform the public, with appropriate warnings and while protecting the dignity of those affected.

10. Verification of photos and videos

Photos and videos received from social media, WhatsApp, YouTube or other platforms are used in stories only after we have verified, as far as possible, their:

• Location
• Date
• Context
• Original source

Presenting old videos as new events, or publishing them out of context, is contrary to our editorial standards.

11. Social media information

Not everything that goes viral on social media is true.

Therefore, before publishing news based on viral posts, claims, videos or screenshots, we independently verify them as far as possible.

12. AI and automated content

Voice of AP may use artificial intelligence and automation tools for news gathering, translation, summarising, classification or technical assistance.

However, AI-generated information remains subject to editorial responsibility.

Our policy is not to publish important news based on AI alone, without human editorial oversight.

13. Use of other news sources

When we take information from other news organisations, official bodies, YouTube channels, social media accounts or news agencies, we attribute the source wherever possible.

We try not to improperly republish other organisations’ original content, images or videos without permission or applicable legal rights.

14. Advertising and editorial content

There must be a clear distinction between paid advertisements, sponsored stories and editorial news.

Where needed, we clearly label paid promotional content as Advertisement, Sponsored, Promotional Content or Partner Content.

Advertisers must not control our editorial decisions.

15. Public interest

In deciding whether to publish a story, we primarily consider this question:

“Do people need to know this information?”

Publishing stories merely for sensation, unnecessary intrusion into personal privacy, or clickbait is not our aim.

16. Hateful and discriminatory content

Voice of AP will not be a platform for content that promotes hatred on the basis of caste, religion, region, language, gender or other personal characteristics.

We mention such remarks in stories only when necessary in the public interest, and with proper context.

17. Clickbait and misleading headlines

A headline should reflect the facts in the story.

Our policy is to avoid exaggeration for views, misleading titles, or headlines that claim something the story does not contain.

18. Responsibility during elections

During elections, we examine information about candidates, political parties, surveys and campaigns with extra care.

We try to follow official election rules and applicable laws.

19. Reader response

Voice of AP is not only a one-way news platform.

People of Andhra Pradesh can share their problems, suggestions, news tips and feedback with us in the spirit of “Your problem, our voice.”

We cannot guarantee that every submission we receive will be published. Publication decisions are based on public interest, verification and editorial relevance.

20. Our responsibility

Delivering news quickly matters. But truth matters more than speed.

That is why Voice of AP’s editorial aim is:

True information. The people’s voice. The interest of Andhra Pradesh.

Report an error or concern

If you believe any story published on Voice of AP contains an error, incomplete information or an objectionable element, please let us know.

Our editorial team will review your request and, where needed, issue a correction, clarification or update.