Editorial Standards — Port Louis Daily Bulletin

Port Louis Daily Bulletin is a regional news site serving Mauritius. As a modern herald for our community, we report facts fairly, clearly and without fear or favor. These standards describe the ethical principles and newsroom practices we apply to earn and keep readers’ trust.

Accuracy and verification

We verify information before publishing. Reporters seek primary sources — documents, official records, direct interviews — and corroborate claims with independent evidence whenever possible. We attribute facts to named sources and provide context to help readers evaluate the information. Headlines, captions and photos are expected to accurately reflect the story. When uncertainty exists, we say so.

Sourcing

• Name sources whenever possible. Attribution helps readers judge reliability.
• Prefer on-the-record sources. Before publication, reporters ask interviewees whether their remarks are on the record, off the record, or background.
• Use background or anonymous sourcing only when essential (see below).
• Link to or cite primary documents, data sets and public records when available.
• We do not pay sources for information and do not purchase exclusive access that would compromise reporting.

Anonymous sources

Anonymous sources are used sparingly and only when: - The information is vital to public interest; - The source has direct knowledge of the facts; and - The information can be corroborated by independent evidence or additional reporting. An editor must approve the use of an anonymous source. When we grant anonymity, we explain why the source is unnamed and provide as much context as possible about their credibility and motivation. We avoid anonymous sourcing for serious allegations unless there is corroboration strong enough to justify publication.

Conflict of interest

Reporters, editors and contributors must avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest that could compromise coverage. - Staff must disclose personal, financial or political relationships that could affect reporting. - Reporters should recuse themselves from stories where a conflict exists; editors will reassign coverage when necessary. - We do not accept gifts, favors or payments that could influence newsroom decisions. - Sponsored content, partnerships and commercial relationships are clearly labeled and separated from editorial content. We do not sell or trade favorable coverage.

Separation of news and opinion

News reporting and opinion commentary are distinct. News articles aim to inform and reflect verified facts. Opinion pieces, editorials and columns express viewpoints and are labeled as such. Opinion writers may hold personal beliefs, but the newsroom maintains editorial independence: opinion contributors do not direct or block news coverage, and news staff do not write paid promotional opinion under our masthead.

Fairness, privacy and harm minimization

We strive for fairness in reporting and to treat people we cover with respect. When reporting on private individuals or matters that could cause serious harm, we weigh the public interest against potential damage. We seek comment from those affected before publishing allegations or sensitive material whenever practicable. We are especially careful in coverage involving victims of crime, children, the vulnerable and medical or mental health issues.

Corrections and clarifications

We correct errors promptly and transparently. If we learn of a substantive mistake, we update the story, clearly note the correction or clarification, and explain what was changed and why. Corrections are posted in a visible location on the site. If you believe a story falls short of these standards, please contact us so we can review and, if necessary, correct it.

Contact for editorial complaints: [email protected] AND use our /contact/ form.

Accountability and transparency

We aim to be open about our methods. Readers may ask about sourcing, editorial decisions or possible conflicts; we will respond and, where appropriate, explain newsroom practices. Our goal is to foster informed civic life in Mauritius by maintaining high journalistic standards, independent judgment and a commitment to the public good.

Last updated: May 11, 2026