Our Commitment
Social TV is an independent media platform dedicated to journalism and storytelling focused on social impact, corporate social investment (CSI), corporate social responsibility (CSR), ESG, shared value, social innovation, sustainability and the people and organisations working to create positive change.
Our editorial standards are designed to protect the accuracy, credibility and integrity of our journalism while ensuring that the communities, organisations and individuals featured across our platforms are represented fairly and responsibly.
Editorial Independence
Social TV maintains a clear distinction between independent editorial content and commercial partnerships.
Advertising, sponsorship, media partnerships or other commercial relationships do not automatically guarantee editorial coverage or favourable reporting. Editorial decisions are made according to relevance, news value, public interest and alignment with the areas Social TV covers.
Where content has been commissioned, sponsored or produced as part of a commercial partnership, we aim to identify this clearly and appropriately for our audience.
Accuracy and Verification
We aim to publish information that is accurate, contextual and supported by credible sources.
Our editorial team may verify information supplied by companies, government institutions, NGOs, agencies, community organisations and other contributors before publication. Statistics, research findings and significant factual claims should be attributed to appropriate sources wherever reasonably possible.
Headlines, photographs and other editorial elements should fairly reflect the substance of the story and should not deliberately mislead readers.
Fairness and Right of Reply
Social impact journalism frequently deals with complex social, environmental and economic issues.
Where reporting contains significant criticism, allegations or claims concerning an identifiable person or organisation, Social TV will endeavour, where appropriate and practical, to provide the affected party with a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication.
We seek to distinguish clearly between established fact, allegation, analysis and opinion.
Press Releases and Contributed Content
Social TV receives press releases, research, announcements, photographs, video, opinion pieces and other material from organisations and contributors.
Submission of material does not guarantee publication.
Submitted material may be edited for clarity, accuracy, length, relevance, style and presentation. Our editorial team may also independently research, contextualise or develop a story from information originally provided through a press release or media submission.
Responsibility for the accuracy of information supplied to Social TV remains with the organisation or individual providing that information, while Social TV retains responsibility for its editorial decisions and published content.
Sponsored and Partner Content
Social TV works with organisations that share an interest in communicating stories about social impact and positive change.
Commercial partnerships are an important part of sustainable independent media, but they should not be presented to audiences as independent journalism when content has been commissioned or paid for.
Sponsored, partner or commercially commissioned content will be identified where appropriate so that audiences can understand the nature of the content they are viewing.
Corrections and Updates
Accuracy matters to us.
When Social TV becomes aware of a material factual error, we will assess the information and, where appropriate, correct or update the published content.
Stories may also be updated when significant new information becomes available after publication.
Requests for corrections should identify the relevant article and clearly explain the information believed to be inaccurate, together with supporting information where available.
Artificial Intelligence and Editorial Responsibility
Social TV may use artificial intelligence and other digital tools to assist with elements of research, transcription, editing, data processing, production or newsroom workflows.
These technologies do not replace editorial responsibility.
Material published by Social TV remains subject to human editorial oversight. Journalists and editors remain responsible for editorial judgement, verification, context and the decision to publish.
We will continue to review our use of emerging technologies as journalistic standards and industry practices evolve.
Images, Video and Multimedia
Images and multimedia should accurately represent the people, events and subjects being reported.
Social TV may use original material, supplied media, licensed content and appropriately sourced visual material. Images may be edited for normal production purposes such as cropping, sizing, colour correction and presentation, provided those changes do not materially misrepresent the subject or events depicted.
Where illustrative, generated or significantly altered imagery could reasonably be mistaken for documentary photography, appropriate disclosure should be considered.
Children and Vulnerable Communities
Social TV regularly reports on initiatives involving children, young people and communities experiencing social or economic vulnerability.
We approach these stories with particular care.
Editorial decisions should consider dignity, privacy, informed consent, safety and the potential consequences of identifying vulnerable individuals. The pursuit of a compelling story should never override reasonable considerations concerning the welfare of the people involved.
Conflicts of Interest
Social TV expects editorial contributors to avoid relationships or interests that could improperly influence their journalism.
Where a relevant relationship or potential conflict could materially affect how audiences understand a story, appropriate disclosure should be considered.
Diversity, Dignity and Representation
Social TV seeks to tell stories about people and communities with dignity and context.
Our journalism should avoid unnecessary stereotyping, discrimination, sensationalism or language that reduces people to their circumstances.
Social impact journalism should not simply document challenges. Where appropriate, it should also examine responses, innovation, accountability, measurable outcomes and the people working toward solutions.
Complaints and Editorial Queries
We welcome legitimate questions about our journalism and take concerns regarding accuracy and editorial standards seriously.
If you believe that content published by Social TV contains a material factual error or raises an editorial standards concern, please contact our editorial team and include the headline or link to the relevant content, an explanation of your concern and any supporting information available.
Email: press@social-tv.co.za
These Editorial & Standards guidelines may be reviewed and updated periodically as Social TV, journalism and the wider media environment continue to evolve.
