Editorial Policy
1. General Provisions
ThePublic is an independent online media outlet operating in accordance with Ukrainian law.
The editorial policy sets out the principles for the creation, verification and dissemination of content, as well as the ethical standards of the editorial team.
2. Mission and social role
ThePublic publishes socially significant information, analysis and original content with the aim of:
- promote the development of an open democratic society,
- ensuring citizens’ right to access reliable information,
- analysing events with regard to their long-term consequences for Ukraine and the world.
The editorial team acts in the interests of society, not of individual political, economic or other groups.
3. Editorial independence
The editorial team at ThePublic is independent in shaping editorial policy and making decisions regarding the publication of content.
Any influence from:
- state authorities,
political parties,
- officials,
- advertisers or sponsors
is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of media practice.
4. Compliance with legal requirements
4.1 Accuracy of information
Editorial team:
- verifies the accuracy of information prior to publication,
- distinguishes facts from value judgements,
- does not disseminate information known to be inaccurate.
4.2 Right of reply and retraction
Persons about whom information has been disseminated have the right to:
- a reply,
- a retraction of inaccurate information in accordance with the procedure and within the time limits provided for by Ukrainian law.
5. Protection of sources
The editorial team adheres to the principle of protecting sources of information in accordance with Ukrainian law.
- Information about a source may be disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law.
- Anonymous sources are used only where the information is of public interest and has been subject to additional verification.
6. Personal data and privacy
The Public respects the right to privacy and the protection of personal data.
- Personal data is published only where there are lawful grounds or a public interest.
- Interference with privacy is permitted only in cases where it is justified by public necessity.
7. Hate speech and prohibited content
The editorial team does not publish material that:
- promote war, violence or cruelty,
- incite national, racial, religious or other hostility,
- degrade human honour and dignity,
- violate the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Content is moderated in accordance with legal requirements and editorial standards.
8. Opinions, analysis and commentary
Original content:
- are separated from news items,
- contain reasoned arguments.
The views of the authors do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance.
9. Advertising and political campaigning
- Advertising and sponsored content is labelled in accordance with Ukrainian law.
- Political advertising and pre-election campaigning are published only with clear labelling.
- Hidden advertising is prohibited.
10. Corrections and updates
- Any errors found are corrected promptly.
- Significant changes are accompanied by a corresponding note.
11. Conflict of interest
Authors and editors are required to:
- disclose potential conflicts of interest,
- refrain from producing content where they have a direct interest,
- disclose relevant connections if they may influence the perception of the material.
12. Engagement with the audience
The Public is open to dialogue with readers.
Enquiries, complaints and reports of violations are dealt with within the timeframes set by law.