Editorial Policy
Effective Date: 16 October 2026
Last Updated: 16 October 2026
GTV News Urdu is a digital news publication operated by East Films (Pvt.) Ltd. This Editorial Policy explains the standards that guide our newsroom, including accuracy, independence, fairness, sourcing, corrections and the responsible use of technology.
1. Editorial Mission
Our mission is to provide timely, accurate and useful news and information for Urdu-speaking audiences. We aim to report matters of public interest with clarity, context and respect for our readers.
2. Editorial Independence
Editorial decisions are made by the newsroom on the basis of news value, public interest, accuracy and relevance. Advertisers, sponsors, commercial partners and other outside parties may not purchase favourable editorial coverage or suppress legitimate reporting.
Paid, sponsored, promotional or partner-supported material must be clearly identified so that readers can distinguish it from independent journalism.
3. Accuracy and Verification
We seek to verify material before publication. Depending on the nature and urgency of a story, verification may include:
- Reviewing original documents, official records, data, photographs or video;
- Contacting relevant authorities, organizations, witnesses or subject-matter experts;
- Seeking comment from people or organizations who are the subject of significant allegations;
- Comparing information with multiple credible and independent sources;
- Checking dates, locations, names, quotations and numerical claims;
- Using available verification tools to assess digital or user-submitted material.
Breaking news may develop rapidly. We clearly distinguish confirmed facts from preliminary reports, claims, estimates and analysis, and we update stories when reliable new information becomes available.
4. Sources and Attribution
We identify sources wherever reasonably possible. Information obtained from another publication, news agency, official statement, research paper, public record or social-media account should be attributed appropriately.
Anonymous sources may be used when the information is important to the public, the source has credible access to the information, and identification may expose the source to a reasonable risk. Editors should know the identity of an anonymous source and assess the source’s reliability, motive and proximity to the information. Anonymous sourcing is not a substitute for verification.
5. Fairness and Right of Reply
We aim to represent relevant facts and material viewpoints fairly. People and organizations facing serious criticism or allegations should be given a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication when circumstances allow. A refusal or failure to respond may be noted in the report.
Fairness does not require giving equal weight to unsupported claims or information contradicted by strong evidence.
6. Opinion, Analysis and Fact Check Content
News reports, opinion pieces, analysis, explainers and fact checks serve different purposes and should be labelled or presented clearly enough for readers to understand the distinction.
Opinion and analysis may express a viewpoint, but they remain subject to standards of accuracy, disclosure and responsible sourcing. Fact-check articles should identify the claim reviewed, available evidence, relevant sources and the basis for the conclusion.
7. Conflicts of Interest
Editorial personnel should avoid financial, political, personal or organizational conflicts that could improperly influence their work. A material conflict that cannot reasonably be avoided should be disclosed to an editor and, where relevant to the reader’s understanding, disclosed in the published material.
Journalists and contributors must not accept money, gifts or benefits in exchange for favourable coverage.
8. Sponsored and Commercial Content
Advertising and sponsored material must not be presented as independent editorial reporting. Appropriate labels may include “Advertisement,” “Sponsored,” “Partner Content” or another clear disclosure. Commercial material should not overwhelm the editorial substance of a page.
9. Photographs, Video and Graphic Material
Images and video should accurately represent the story. File photographs, illustrations, reconstructions and digitally altered or synthetic visuals should be labelled when their nature may not otherwise be clear. We do not knowingly manipulate media in a way that materially misleads audiences.
Graphic or disturbing material is used only when it has legitimate editorial value. Appropriate warnings, careful presentation or limited use may be applied to reduce unnecessary harm.
10. User-Generated and Social-Media Content
Material circulating on social media is not treated as verified merely because it is widely shared. We assess the source, date, location, context and authenticity before relying on it. Permission, attribution and privacy considerations are addressed where reasonably required.
11. Artificial Intelligence and Automated Tools
Artificial intelligence and automated tools may assist with research organization, transcription, translation, summarization, tagging, technical production or other newsroom tasks. They do not replace editorial responsibility.
Material produced or materially altered with automated tools must be reviewed by a responsible human editor before publication. We do not knowingly publish fabricated quotations, events, sources, images or evidence. Material use of synthetic media should be disclosed when necessary to prevent readers from being misled.
12. Privacy, Dignity and Harm
We balance the public interest with privacy, dignity and the risk of harm. Particular care is taken when reporting on children, victims of crime, medical matters, grief, sexual violence, personal data and vulnerable individuals. We do not publish private information merely because it is available online.
13. Elections and Public Affairs
Political and election coverage should accurately identify candidates, parties, institutions and the source of claims. Polling, projections and unofficial results should be described with suitable context and should not be presented as final official outcomes.
14. Corrections and Updates
We correct material errors promptly and transparently. The nature and significance of an error determine whether a correction note, editor’s note, clarification or update notice is added. Our complete process is available in the Corrections Policy.
15. Complaints and Editorial Contact
Questions, correction requests or editorial complaints should identify the relevant article URL, the information at issue and any supporting evidence.
Email:info@gtvnetwork.tv
Postal Address: GTV News HD / GTV News Urdu, East Films (Pvt.) Ltd., CL–5/6, 3rd Floor, Block 1, Shafi Courts, Civil Lines, Merewether Road, Karachi, Pakistan — P.O. Box 75520.
Submissions are reviewed by the appropriate editorial or administrative team. Submission of a complaint does not guarantee amendment, removal or a particular outcome.