The Code of Ethics of Minivan News establishes the core values and professional standards that guide our journalism. Our purpose is to provide independent, fearless, and accurate reporting that holds power to account and serves the public interest of the Maldivian people. This code is designed to ensure we maintain the highest levels of integrity, fairness, and courage, while navigating the unique challenges of reporting in the Maldives. It aligns with the Maldives Media Council Code of Ethics but is foremost a commitment to our readers and the principles of democratic discourse.
We are committed to unearthing and reporting the truth, even when it is inconvenient or challenging to powerful interests. Accuracy is non-negotiable. Every fact must be verified, and we will rely on multiple, credible sources, especially when reporting on sensitive issues. We will not shy away from investigating complex stories due to pressure but will be meticulous in our fact-checking to ensure we do not publish rumors or unverified claims.
Our commitment is to the truth, not to false equivalence. We will provide balanced coverage by ensuring all relevant sides of a story are sought out and represented. However, we will not give undue weight to misinformation or disinformation in the name of "balance." Individuals or organizations facing serious allegations will always be given a full and fair opportunity to respond before publication. Our fairness is demonstrated through rigorous and transparent methodology, not through avoiding difficult truths.
Minivan News’s editorial content is, and must be seen to be, entirely independent from political parties, commercial interests, and external influence. Our credibility is our most valuable asset. We maintain a clear separation between advertising and editorial content. Advertisers and sponsors have no influence over our news judgment, reporting, or editorial stance.
We take full responsibility for our reporting. When we make errors, we will correct them promptly, transparently, and with clarity, ensuring the correction is visible to our audience. We are accountable to our readers. We will be transparent about our sources and methods where possible, explaining why we make certain editorial choices, especially in high-stakes investigations.
We operate with a deep respect for Maldivian society, its Islamic faith, and cultural norms. We will avoid gratuitous content that causes unnecessary offense. However, our duty to report on matters of public interest—including issues involving religion, governance, and social justice—may require discussing sensitive topics. In such cases, we will provide necessary context, act with sensitivity, and ground our reporting in factual evidence. We will never publish content that intentionally incites violence, hatred, or discrimination.
Our reporting will be evidence-based. Sources will be protected when confidentiality is necessary for their safety or to bring important information to light. We will avoid sensationalism, ensuring that our headlines, leads, and visuals accurately reflect the substance of the story. Context is critical to help readers understand the significance of events.
Opinion pieces, analysis, and editorials will be clearly labeled and distinguished from news reporting. We welcome a diversity of viewpoints that contribute to democratic debate. However, all opinion content must be based on facts and reasoned argument, and must not promote hatred or violence. Minivan News's own editorial stance will be principled and transparent.
Photographs and videos must represent events accurately. We will not manipulate images to mislead audiences. We will respect the privacy and dignity of individuals, particularly victims of trauma or violence. The identity of minors and vulnerable individuals will be protected, and consent will be sought for sensitive imagery unless there is an overriding public interest.
Children and Vulnerable Groups: We will protect the identities of children and victims of abuse, exploitation, or trauma. Consent from a guardian is required for interviewing or photographing minors, except in stories of overriding public interest where the child's identity is protected.
Reporting on Trauma: We will report on tragedies with empathy, avoiding graphic or intrusive details that cause further harm to victims and their families. The public’s right to know will be balanced with the individual’s right to dignity.
Defamation and Privacy: We will not publish defamatory content. We respect individual privacy but will report on private matters when there is a clear and demonstrable public interest (e.g., corruption by public officials).
Errors will be corrected promptly and transparently. The correction will be noted on the article itself, and significant errors may be highlighted through a dedicated corrections section or social media post.
We provide a clear channel for the public to submit complaints regarding our content. All complaints will be reviewed seriously and promptly by the editorial leadership. Our response will be transparent, and corrective action will be taken where a breach of this code is confirmed.
Journalists and editors must avoid any financial, political, or personal relationships that could compromise, or appear to compromise, the independence of their reporting. All potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed to the Editor-in-Chief. Staff are prohibited from accepting gifts, favors, or preferential treatment from sources or subjects of coverage.
Journalists representing Minivan News on social media must uphold our ethical standards. While personal accounts are permitted, staff should be mindful that their public posts can reflect on the organization's credibility. They must not engage in partisan attacks or share unverified information.
Given the sensitive nature of our work, all staff must adhere to strict digital security protocols to protect sources, data, and communications from unauthorized access.
We are committed to the ongoing training and professional development of our team, particularly in areas of investigative journalism, media law, digital security, and trauma-aware reporting. We recognize the psychological challenges of reporting in a high-pressure environment and will support the well-being of our staff.
The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for enforcing this code. Any violation will be investigated thoroughly and may result in disciplinary action, ranging from a formal warning to suspension or termination, depending on the severity of the breach. This code will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and robust.