Foundational Framework Focused on Institutional Integrity and Accountability
Mission
To deliver investigative journalism and rigorous analysis on current affairs in the Canary Islands within their Atlantic geopolitical, economic, and social context, prioritizing transparency in public and private governance and serving as a platform for informed debate and accountability.
Values
Integrity
To act with unwavering honesty and ethical standards across all operations.
Independence
To ensure that news coverage remains free from economic or political influence.
Transparency
To be open about funding sources, shareholder interests, and editorial processes.
Rigor
To maintain a strict commitment to fact-checking, accuracy, and impartiality.
Operational Principles
Conflicts of Interest (CoI)
All employees, shareholders, and contributors must avoid situations in which personal, financial, or third-party interests could influence—or appear to influence—their professional judgment or editorial coverage.
Conflict of Interest Declarations (CID)
All journalists, editors, and executives are required to submit an annual sworn declaration of their financial interests, significant assets, and relationships with regulated entities or organizations subject to editorial coverage (including political parties, major Canary Islands companies, and lobbying groups). These declarations are reviewed by the Ethics Committee.
Recusal
Any team member with a direct or perceived conflict of interest in a specific story must refrain from participating in its reporting, editing, or final approval.
Advertisers
The commercial relationship and editorial coverage must remain strictly separated.
Advertising must never influence the content, tone, or prioritization of published information.
Sponsored or branded content must be clearly, visibly, and prominently labeled and editorially distinguished from independent journalism.
We reserve the right to reject advertising that conflicts with our values or seeks to exert undue influence on editorial independence.
Journalists
Journalists have a duty to seek the truth, act fairly, and minimize harm.
Sources
We rigorously protect the confidentiality of sources who request it, except where disclosure is explicitly required by law.
Anonymity
Anonymity is granted only when there is a legitimate public interest and when disclosure of a source’s identity could place them at risk.
Impartiality
Journalists must avoid partisan political activism on the digital platform and maintain professional distance from the political actors they cover.
Gifts
Acceptance of gifts, hospitality, or complimentary travel exceeding a nominal value (a recommended maximum of €50) from any source subject to journalistic coverage is prohibited.
Third-party-funded travel or expenses essential for coverage (such as press trips) may be accepted only in exceptional circumstances where the outlet cannot reasonably cover the costs. In such cases, this must be explicitly disclosed at the end of the article.
Confidential Information
Journalists are strictly prohibited from using confidential information obtained in the course of their work for personal or financial gain (including insider trading) or for the benefit of third parties. Such information may be used solely for legitimate journalistic purposes in the public interest.
Risk Management
Protocols shall be established to protect digital infrastructure (cybersecurity) and to ensure the physical safety of investigative journalists, particularly those covering sensitive topics such as corruption, organized crime, or human trafficking.
Compliance and Ethics Channel
Ethics Channel (Whistleblower Channel)
An external and independent Ethics Channel will be established and managed by a third-party legal entity.
Ethics Committee
An internal Ethics Committee (including one independent external member) will be created to interpret this Code, review Conflict of Interest Declarations, and adjudicate complaints or reports submitted through the Ethics Channel.
Training
Initial and annual training in ethics and compliance will be mandatory for all employees. Serious breaches of this Ethical Code will result in disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment.
