To Produce Factual and Credible Content to Empower New India Through Knowledge, Information and Voice towards Better Health, Better Education, and Better Growth leading to an Inclusive and Progressive Society.
Jagran New Media (JNM) is the digital wing of Jagran Prakashan Ltd (JPL), India’s leading media and communications conglomerate, with its interests spanning across Print, OOH, Activations, Radio and Digital. JPL is a listed firm and publishes the world's largest read daily, Dainik Jagran, along with India's Largest FM Radio Network - Radio City.
At JNM, journalists create and publish online news and informational content with the stated aim of informing, educating and helping the users to take better life decisions. Our portfolio includes 9 digital platforms which provide content across genres like news, education, lifestyle, entertainment, health and youth.
Our editorial mission is driven by the commitment to provide factual and credible content which can enable the ‘New Bharat’ or the share of ‘next billion’ in India. To this end, we tirelessly work to produce original and authentic content that meets the expected standards of Expertise, Authority and Trustworthiness.
Our team is trained under Google News Initiative on fact-checking and news verification and incorporates these learnings in their daily news creation. It is also certified by the Poynter Institute for Fact Checking and launched India's First Fact Check Website in Hindi - Vishvas News.
Jagran New Media collaborates with trusted institutions like ICFJ, KPMG and ADR, which ensure quality and trusted news creation and publishing.
JNM aspires and hope to partner with the The Trust Project as it takes forward our commitment to creating factual and credible content.
JNM publishes multimedia content which includes, over 7000 plus stories and 50 videos in a day, which majorly covers categories like National – International News, Hyperlocal activities, Business, Auto, Technology, Sports, Entertainment – Movies reviews, School, College, Career, Govt Jobs, GK, Exam Prep Info, Health, Ayurveda, Food , Style, Wellness, Travel, Women Issues & Astrology etc.
Jagran New Media focuses on creating and sharing helpful, relevant and factual content that inspires, educates, helps to solve problems and entertains the readers. Jagran New Media provides meaningful content to the consumers through DATA DRIVEN JOURNALISM. Jagran New Media journalists follow an ethics and process manual, led by pre-defined processes and news formats for news gathering and publishing.
Currently, Jagran New Media has a reach of over 72+ Million users (Comscore MMX Multi- Platform; August 2019) and 55.5 Million Video Views.
Ethics Policy
A. Responsible journalism Ensuring high editorial standards is central to everything Jagran New Media journalists do at Jagran New Media. Jagran New Media believes that a combined and coordinated effort from reporters, editors and producers is needed to achieve good quality journalism. It is their responsibility to present an error-free and top quality report to the audience. A successful editor tells the reporters about every aspect of the report, so that the reporters can present a holistic picture in their coverage.
At Jagran New Media, reporters, sub-editors, content writers and desk shift in-charges in all centers carefully check all editorial material before publication, and only then is it made live on websites. In cases where it is needed, the shift in-charge publishes the copy only after consulting the editor and getting his/her approval.
B. Non-partisanship Many stringent standards are ensured by the observance of our comprehensive Editorial Policy that lays down the Code of Conduct and guidelines for its journalists. JNM stands by its ethical stand of 'No Influencers Policy' which ensures that its stories are not influenced by any external bias. No one working with us engages in partisan political activity or makes any contributions to candidates or advocacy organisations.
Our objective is to provide non-partisan and independent coverage of news. The editors consult the legal team as and when needed. Our journalists are honest and work without any fear or partisanship. It is expected from the working staff that they will not act in any manner which will damage the image of the organisation. Our staff is made aware of the fact that anyone found in violation of the above is liable to face legal action and have their employment contract cancelled.
C. Fairness It is possible that some of our journalists' close relatives or friends are in politics or the legal profession. In such cases, they are sensitised about the gravity of the situation and the added responsibility they have to ensure that their reporting or news coverage remains completely unbiased. It is the responsibility of a journalist to keep an eye on public events/rallies, even if they do not cover the beat assigned to them.
While publishing any political news, our reporters are particular about quoting political leader is in the right context. Jagran New Media employees remain neutral and give equal space to all parties without any fear or favour when reporting political news. During the election period, JNM journalists write content which adheres to the election code of conduct.
At Jagran New Media, neither do JNM Journalists misquote leaders or political parties while reporting political news nor do they quote statements which spread hate or violence. Guidelines issued by the Election Commission are duly followed while publishing election surveys or pre-poll surveys.
JNM publishes detailed analysis of major political events occurring on the national and international events in order to make the readers aware of them. JNM staff is constantly sensitized to remain honest towards their work, so that any and all accusations of biased reporting/coverage are avoided at all costs. In case a staff member witnesses such a situation, they are encouraged to inform their editor, so that preventive and corrective action can be taken in time to avoid any untoward situation such as a conflict of interest.
D. Credibility JNM journalists are responsible towards our readers and hence maintain the highest standards of responsible journalism. JNM journalists have complete faith in our sources and skills. JNM journalists collect news/information from different sources and then independently verify it. JNM journalists decide what they will cover and how they will work. JNM journalists are continually sensitized about their responsibility when reporting. They are encouraged to accept criticism with an open mind and listen to the common man carefully so that their reporting accurately captures the ground reality. JNM journalists include the opinions of all parties in our reporting and do not attempt to become one of the parties while reporting an issue.
E. Transparency JNM believes that journalism is not only an occupation but also a calling which requires JNM to present the correct picture of the world. JNM guiding principles encourage the employees to answer questions and also raise new questions. This principle guides JNM to maintain uniformity in its thoughts and actions. JNM encourages discussions and debates, so that our work can shine brighter.
F. Freedom of Expression Both, JNM journalistic as well as managerial staff are provided with a fair chance to express them freely and present their opinion. They can also present their views on news which they are not reporting. A standard has been specified for that, and it is ensured that it is followed. The quotes are always accurate. If it is necessary to shorten the length of a certain quote due to any reason, our staff makes it a point to ensure that the meaning of the quote does not change.
G. Verification and Fact Checking JNM takes the issue of fake news very seriously and takes a responsible stand on fighting this menace. It has therefore launched India's First Fact Check Website – Vishvas News – which is certified by the Poynter Institute for Fact-Checking. In a very short span of time, Vishvas News has expanded to 5 languages and has also begun producing fact-check videos.
As a front-runner in the drive against combating misinformation, JNM takes a socially-responsible stand of spreading awareness about this issue. It works closely with IFCN and regularly conducts nation-wide awareness drives where it conducts workshops and seminars to educate individuals and organizations about the issue of fake news and equips them to combat it effectively.
Jagran New Media encourages its news writers to keep in mind the following considerations when producing articles:
- Credit, acknowledge, and verify the source(s) of your information.
- Consider whether you know enough about the information to qualify as a trustable source.
- Think critically when addressing claims.
- Never make assumptions.
JNM trusts its news writers' integrity and the accuracy of the information provided in our publication. But in case a mistake is made, JNM recognizes the importance of admitting to mistakes and diligently working to provide correct information. Consequently, JNM encourages our readers, contributors, and their sources to provide us with feedback on any of our content.
JNM welcomes suggestions and rectifications which we receive from our readers in the form of comments, mails and phone calls. In case JNM receives any complaint regarding accuracy of our content, the JNM desks immediately put it on hold and determine the facts. Once the facts have been cross-examined, JNM takes a considered decision and appropriately respond to the feedback.
Depending on the authenticity and magnitude of the mistake/error, JNM removes/edits the published information or duly inform the reader in case the original news does not qualify as a mistake and how JNM News Desk arrived at such a decision.
As per the correction policy, JNM has strengthened its fight against misinformation and created a team to do fact checking regularly and monitor the content flow on our websites. Jagran New Media’s fact-checking Unit – Vishvas News – actively does fact checking work. Vishvas News is certified by the International Fact Checking Network (IFCN). In case of any appeal or feedback, Jagran New Media takes note of the details provided, does the correction/corrections following our SOP and editorial guidelines and also puts on record the stories done by the team members which needed corrections.
Jagran New Media aims to reshape the online Hindi news segment in the Hindi Heartland with a compelling customer experience and user engagement. For the Thinking Man segment, the primary focus is on politics, states, common man issues, international, business, finance and sports. For the students and the youth, our primary focus is on providing authentic Education and Career related news and information along with specialized features on overall personality development and life skills. For the Women segment, our main focus is on Career, Food and Recipes, Fashion, Health, Fitness, Travel, Tourism, Bollywood and TV. For the benefits of the tabloid surfers, Jagran New Media focuses on the content production in states and cities segment.
Jagran websites produce real-time news coverage, analysis, feature-based stories, knowledge-based stories to enable the youth of the country, expert-based How-to content in a contemporary and easy to use format to widen the thinking of the readers.
Jagran New Media is committed to pursuing accurate, fair and balanced coverage and believe that diversity and inclusion in sourcing and in hiring are critical for us to deliver a balanced news file. From an editorial standpoint, JNM believes that including diverse voices from the community in its coverage serves our readers and improves the balance in its journalism. Our Editorial motto is ‘Empowering the New Bharat’.
JNM is committed to upholding its content quality and profitability and efficiency of the group websites by attracting and on-boarding the most suitable candidates for the role irrespective of their caste, creed, ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.
JNM hires based on merits including relevant experience, previous performance, aptitude and ability. JNM does not make hiring decisions based on gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, race, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy or other characteristics purely of a personal nature.
JNM is an equal opportunity employer and takes pride in being certified as a Great Place to Work which provides equal opportunity to all employees. The workplace has a healthy representation of women not only in the editorial team but across all verticals. Many women occupy responsible positions at entry, mid, senior as well as executive leadership levels with significant responsibilities including strategy formulation and P&L portfolios.
- Users are our employers At Jagran New Media, the team of journalists always keep in mind that its readers/ users are its employers. JNM team of journalists prepares every news story for them with the objective of providing them the required information so that they can take informed decisions. JNM journalists remain, publicly and privately, fair to the readers in letter and spirit.
- Working outside the organisation It is expected from the journalists and employees that while being an employee of this organisation; they shall not work for any other organisation which is in direct competition with this company. JNM staff is provided instructions not to provide any such news to another organisation which has not yet been published by us. It is expected from all JNM staff to safeguard the interests and prestige of the organisation. At the same time, JNM does not restrict its journalists’ rights as civil citizens. As long as they keep their editors informed and exercises reasonable judgment, JNM journalists are free to participate in debate panels, express their independent opinion, deliver lectures in universities and participate in other such endeavors that broaden their horizons.
- Public Relations Usually, JNM does not grant permission for public relations work, whether paid or unpaid. The employees need to understand and always keep in mind that the interests of the company or their works should not be affected. If at all they have to accept any such invitation, they are required to do so after due approvals from JNM. If participating in an event or program of an organisation raises questions about the work process or transparency of the company, then the journalists have instructions to avoid participating in such events.
- Rules for social media handling It is made sure that employees of Jagran New Media (JNM) are always transparent. People look at their work on social media in detail. They are therefore advised the following caution:
- Use your real name while writing for JNM or competitors and be responsible about the role you are playing. If any staff has any interest in posting on social media, they are required to mention it right at the beginning.
- Do not misrepresent yourself or JNM on social media. All statements written by you should always be correct; never write misleading statements. Any claim/post/statement written by you should be proved.
- Please post meaningful and respectful comments. In other words do not post a comment not related to the subject, or which is objectionable/ spam.
- Always use common sense and manners while posting on social media. Never post confidential and internal messages of JNM on social media. Please ensure that your posting does not violate the legal guidelines for JNM confidentiality and external commercial speech.
- Please write freely about the non-confidential matters of JNM and the subjects in which you have expertise.
- If you think that you do not agree with another person's views, please present your point of view politely.
- If you want to write about competitors, be tactful and always present your content with supporting facts. Please take required permission from the organisation prior to writing about it.
- Do not comment on legal matters, cases connected to JNM or even about other parties in the matter.
- If there is an ongoing discussion about a crisis situation or any pending court case on social media, then do not participate in it. Do not submit anonymous comments either because your IP and JNM IP address can be tapped.
- Always be smart about matters related to your and the organisation's security. People from all over the world can read what you have written and its effect can be seen for a long period of time. Please remember this and be careful. Please be reminded that Google and Facebook can store your content for a very long time.
- Always avoid taking sides while commenting on political or religious matters. You can write your opinion but in a complete non-partisan manner without going against anyone or supporting anyone.
- Gifts and awards Journalists, like other professionals in public life, are often invited to events where they may be presented with gifts or awards. JNM has laid down the following guidelines to ensure responsible conduct on the part of its journalistic staff:
- JNM does not give permission to its journalists to accept gifts or travel expenses from their sources or the events they are covering. As an organisation JNM pays its journalists well. JNM expects from its journalists to respectfully return such gifts and other benefits. Besides, JNM does not sell any material which is given to us for review.
- Travel fares and accommodation facilities for business summits and workshops can be accepted with prior permission of JNM.
- If JNM employees receive any unexpected gifts, they shall respectfully return it to the concerned organisation or person.
- In order to ensure that the public trusts our reporting, JNM gives clear instructions to its journalists to avoid any such situation. JNM policy is very clear in this respect.
- Often while covering cultural programs, the concerned person is given a memento as a memory of the program and he is requested to stay for lunch/dinner. In such cases, it might not be appropriate to refuse. So, it is up to the said journalist to take an appropriate decision.
- There are situations in conferences and events when arrangements are made for meals for all the participants. In such cases, there is no harm in participating in it.
- You can take the concerned journalism award or travel bill after the approval of the Editor, but only from educational or non-profit organisations which do not have a hidden agenda.
- Please be careful while accepting any award or gifts from any political party.
- Freelancer selection process At Jagran New Media, all employees (regular or freelancer) follow the law when gathering news.
- Unauthorised access, hiding and overhearing conversations, recording conversations without permission, computer hacking, breaking into houses or stealing documents are all crimes in the eyes of the law.
- If a reporter is involved in a legal dispute while gathering news, he should immediately contact the legal department so that timely help can be provided.
- Using the work/content of another or even part of it is wrong according to the plagiarism law as well as ethics.
- It does not matter if the source is a published book of an author or on a website.
- It is not acceptable in any manner to take credit for another's work.
- It will greatly affect the position/rank of the organisation in the Google search engine.
- It is important to mention the source in every story.
- Precautions in personal life Jagran New Media does not interfere with employees’ personal life. Employees can live the way you want.
- In addition to being a journalist, they are also a part of the society. They guide the society's future.
- Like other citizens, they can exercise their right to vote and no one should have objection to this.
- Please keep in mind that they will not force anyone to vote for a particular person.
- Avoid getting involved in any public activity which is selecting a political party leader or promoting his activities. If there is a public situation where it is necessary to express their political opinions, then they should consult their editor, so that no one can accuse you of biased political campaigning.
- The public expects that you have an independent and impartial opinion as a journalist. Specially, journalists who cover politics have to beware of any work which will put their independence and impartiality as a journalist at risk. Normally, JNM journalists are not involved in Government Boards and Commissions because JNM does not wish that anyone would point fingers at our impartiality and independence.
- JNM employees will not sign on any political petition/campaigning. They will not donate any money to any candidate. These are some common examples which they can follow very easily.
- JNM can serve on the community advisory board, as trustee of educational institutes, and religious organisation board and non-profit groups until they are not involved in any political activity or are not lobbying for a particular organisation. All of us have complete right to observe our religion and beliefs, but while reporting coverage, please make sure that you are not imposing your beliefs on others.
Under Jagran New Media's policies and guidelines, content from anonymous sources may be used only if:
- The content is information, and not opinion or speculation, and is vital to the news report.
- The information is not available except under the conditions of anonymity imposed by the source.
- The source is reliable, and in a position to have accurate information.
- Jagran New Media strictly believes in identifying sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.
- JNM reporters/news writers/Editors cannot take information from anonymous sources without the approval of their reporting managers.
- JNM believes in using information from anonymous sources to tell important stories that would otherwise go unreported.
Jagran New Media encourages meaningful conversations between News writers/Reporters/Editors, Reviewers, readers and senior JNM management groups. JNM is committed to engaging with its readers and taking action based on their suggestions, complaints, and other feedback.
Readers may help us develop an individual story or line of coverage, answer questions that a story may raise, identify related or under-covered issues, and teach us about new and diverse sources, experts, and perspectives. We believe that news organisations have a responsibility to engage with the public on the values, issues, and ideas of the times and those news organizations have much to gain in return.
- About Us : A page dedicated to discussing a news source coverage and/or agenda, also providing access to third-party social media websites (Facebook), where readers can have a more direct and informal relationship with the Jagran New Media News team.
- Complaints: A dedicated link-form for complaints, which is easily available in every article page of our websites. This page provides our users with a direct response system to request any errors, suggestions, or corrections to the article.
- Comments in the story page_ Readers have an option to comment on each article on JNM websites. All the comments are moderated by the news desk. JNM has the right to edit or cancel comments, messages and content submitted by readers.
- A defined channel dedicated to discussing a news source coverage and/or agenda, also providing access to third-party social media websites (Facebook), where readers can have a more direct and informal relationship with the Blasting News team.
- User feedback stories: In particular, the direct feedback system, easily accessible from every Blasting News article page, is a key element of our editorial standing. Blasting News provides its users with a direct feedback system, easily accessible from every Blasting News’ article page, to report any error, suggestion or request for adjustment for each article.
- Article updates: Updates to articles based on audience comments/feedback.