Effective
Date: 19
August 2026
Last Updated: 19 August 2026
Welcome
to BROKEN NEWS Business Desk (“BROKEN NEWS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
BROKEN
NEWS is an independent digital news and information publication focused on
delivering timely, factual, useful, and responsibly reported information to
readers in Ghana and around the world.
This
Editorial Policy explains the principles and standards that guide how we
research, verify, write, edit, publish and update our content.
Our
objective is simple:
To inform
readers accurately, responsibly and transparently while maintaining a clear distinction
between verified facts, allegations, analysis, opinion and developing
information.
1. Our Editorial Mission
BROKEN
NEWS aims to provide readers with accessible and informative coverage of:
- Ghanaian news;
- Business and finance;
- Politics and public affairs;
- International news;
- Technology and artificial
intelligence;
- Education;
- Health and public-interest
information;
- Sports and football;
- Entertainment;
- Economy and markets;
- Consumer issues;
- Breaking news and developing
stories.
We seek
to explain not only what happened, but also why it matters and,
where reliable information is available, what may happen next.
Our
editorial content is intended to help readers understand important events rather
than simply generate traffic.
2. Accuracy Comes First
Accuracy
is one of the fundamental principles of BROKEN NEWS.
Before
publishing factual claims, our editorial team will make reasonable efforts to
verify information using reliable sources.
Depending
on the story, sources may include:
- Government agencies;
- Official statements;
- Courts and legal documents;
- Regulatory authorities;
- Companies and organisations;
- International organisations;
- Academic institutions;
- Research publications;
- Official statistics;
- Reputable news agencies;
- Established Ghanaian and
international news organisations;
- Direct interviews and
eyewitness accounts where appropriate.
We do not
knowingly publish fabricated facts, quotations, statistics, events, documents
or sources.
When
information cannot be independently verified, we will make that limitation
clear to readers.
3. Breaking News and
Developing Stories
Breaking
news can change rapidly.
For
developing stories, BROKEN NEWS may publish information available at the time
while clearly identifying the story as developing where appropriate.
We will
avoid presenting preliminary information as final fact.
Where
relevant, articles may include wording such as:
- “According to…”
- “The organisation said…”
- “Police reported…”
- “Officials stated…”
- “Witnesses said…”
- “The claim has not been
independently verified.”
- “The situation remains
developing.”
We will
update articles when significant new information becomes available.
The
publication or update date may be changed when material new information is
added.
4. Source Verification
BROKEN
NEWS uses a source hierarchy appropriate to the story.
Primary Sources
Whenever
possible, we prefer primary sources, including:
- Government announcements;
- Official documents;
- Court records;
- Regulatory filings;
- Company statements;
- Official statistics;
- Research papers;
- Statements from recognised
institutions.
Primary
sources are particularly important when reporting legal, financial,
governmental or regulatory matters.
Secondary Sources
We may
also use established news organisations and professional publications to
provide additional context or independently report developments.
Examples
may include reputable international news agencies and established Ghanaian
media organisations.
Secondary
sources will not automatically be treated as proof of a claim where the
underlying evidence is available and requires verification.
5. Multiple-Source
Verification
For
significant stories, particularly stories involving:
- Allegations;
- Deaths or injuries;
- Criminal accusations;
- Financial losses;
- Political controversies;
- Public safety;
- Health;
- National security;
- Major corporate
developments;
BROKEN
NEWS will seek confirmation from more than one reliable source where reasonably
possible.
Where
only one credible source is available, the article will clearly attribute the
information to that source.
6. Allegations Are Not
Facts
BROKEN
NEWS will clearly distinguish allegations from established facts.
For
example:
Appropriate:
“The
parliamentary Minority has alleged that…”
rather
than:
“GoldBod
lost…”
unless
the underlying financial evidence independently establishes the latter
statement.
Similarly,
an individual accused of a crime will not be described as guilty unless a
competent court has established guilt.
We will
use appropriate terms such as:
- alleged;
- accused;
- suspected;
- according to police;
- according to prosecutors;
- according to court
documents;
- according to the claimant;
- according to the
organisation.
This
distinction is especially important for politically sensitive and
reputationally significant stories.
7. Corrections Policy
Despite
careful editorial processes, errors can occur.
When
BROKEN NEWS identifies a factual error, we will correct it as soon as
reasonably possible.
Corrections
may include:
- Correcting a name;
- Correcting a date;
- Correcting a location;
- Correcting a number or
statistic;
- Correcting a quotation;
- Updating a developing story;
- Clarifying an ambiguous
statement.
Material
corrections may be acknowledged in the article where appropriate.
We will
not knowingly leave an inaccurate statement online simply because it has
already been published.
8. Updates to Published
Articles
News
stories can evolve after publication.
When
important new information becomes available, BROKEN NEWS may update an article.
Significant
updates should be distinguishable from the original reporting where
appropriate.
For
developing stories, readers should pay attention to:
Published: The original publication date.
Updated: The date and, where useful, time
when significant new information was incorporated.
An
updated article should not give the impression that information known later was
available when the original article was first published.
9. Headlines
BROKEN
NEWS headlines are designed to accurately communicate the main point of an
article.
We do not
intentionally use misleading headlines simply to increase clicks.
Headlines
should not:
- Manufacture facts;
- Exaggerate unverified
claims;
- Misrepresent quotations;
- Conceal important context;
- Present allegations as
established facts;
- Deliberately create false
impressions.
We may
use compelling headlines, but they must remain supported by the article and
available evidence.
10. Clickbait Policy
BROKEN
NEWS does not support deceptive clickbait.
We
distinguish between a compelling headline and a misleading headline.
A
headline may create curiosity, but the article must genuinely provide the
information suggested by the headline.
We will
not intentionally publish headlines such as:
“You
Won't Believe What Happened Next!”
when the
headline provides no meaningful information about the actual story.
Our
priority is reader trust rather than short-term clicks.
11. Editorial Independence
BROKEN
NEWS seeks to maintain editorial independence from advertisers, sponsors,
businesses, political organisations and other external interests.
Advertising
revenue does not determine our editorial conclusions.
Advertisers
do not receive the right to dictate the factual conclusions of independent
editorial reporting.
Sponsored
or commercial material should be clearly distinguishable from independent
editorial content.
12. Advertising and
Editorial Content
Where
BROKEN NEWS displays advertisements, including Google AdSense advertisements,
advertising is separate from independent editorial reporting.
Advertisers
do not automatically have editorial control over:
- News coverage;
- Headlines;
- Editorial conclusions;
- Investigative reporting;
- Corrections;
- Political coverage.
Advertising
placement may be determined by advertising platforms and website technology.
BROKEN
NEWS will not knowingly publish false editorial claims merely to promote an
advertiser.
13. Sponsored Content
If BROKEN
NEWS publishes sponsored content, paid promotional material or commercially
commissioned articles, the relationship should be disclosed clearly.
Sponsored
material may be labelled:
- Sponsored;
- Advertisement;
- Paid Content;
- Partner Content;
- Promotional Content.
Readers
should be able to distinguish paid promotional material from independent
editorial reporting.
14. Political Coverage
BROKEN
NEWS may report on political parties, politicians, governments, elections and
public policy.
Political
reporting should be based on verifiable information.
We aim to
provide fair representation of relevant positions and avoid presenting
political advocacy as objective fact.
When
reporting political allegations, we will identify who made the allegation and
seek a response from the person or organisation affected where reasonably
possible.
15. Right of Reply
BROKEN NEWS
recognises the importance of giving individuals and organisations a reasonable
opportunity to respond to significant allegations concerning them.
Where
practical, we may contact the relevant person, company, institution or
representative before publication.
If a
response is not received before publication, the article may state that the
organisation or individual was contacted and had not responded at the time of
publication, provided that this accurately reflects what occurred.
A
subsequent response may be incorporated into an update where appropriate.
16. Crime and Legal
Reporting
BROKEN
NEWS takes particular care when reporting criminal allegations.
Being
arrested, investigated or charged does not establish guilt.
Unless a
court has established otherwise, we will use appropriate terminology such as:
- arrested;
- detained;
- accused;
- charged;
- suspected;
- prosecuted;
- convicted.
We will
avoid language that prematurely declares guilt.
Court
reporting will aim to accurately distinguish between allegations made by
prosecutors, evidence presented, arguments made by defence lawyers and findings
made by the court.
17. Deaths and Sensitive
Incidents
We
exercise additional care when reporting:
- Deaths;
- Accidents;
- Disasters;
- Violence;
- Terrorism;
- Suicide;
- Serious injuries;
- Crimes involving vulnerable
people.
We will
avoid unnecessary graphic descriptions or imagery where they do not contribute
meaningfully to public understanding.
We will
also make reasonable efforts to verify reports of deaths before publication.
18. Health Reporting
Health-related
stories require particular care because inaccurate information can cause
real-world harm.
BROKEN
NEWS will seek authoritative sources when reporting health matters, including:
- Government health agencies;
- Medical institutions;
- Public-health authorities;
- Peer-reviewed research;
- Recognised medical
organisations;
- Qualified professionals.
We will
avoid presenting unverified medical claims as established scientific fact.
News
articles about health conditions, medicines or treatments are not intended to
replace professional medical advice.
19. Financial and Business
Reporting
BROKEN
NEWS may report on companies, financial markets, investments, government
finances, taxation, banking and economic developments.
Financial
information should be sourced from reliable documents or credible reporting.
We will
distinguish between:
- Revenue;
- Profit;
- Loss;
- Cash flow;
- Debt;
- Valuation;
- Market capitalisation;
- Forecasts;
- Estimates;
- Actual results.
We will
not intentionally present speculation as confirmed financial information.
Nothing
published by BROKEN NEWS should automatically be interpreted as personalised
investment, financial or legal advice.
20. Sports Reporting
Sports
articles should distinguish between:
- Confirmed transfers;
- Reported transfer interest;
- Rumours;
- Official club announcements;
- Player statements;
- League announcements;
- Match results;
- Predictions.
We will
not present transfer rumours as completed transfers unless the relevant
transaction has been officially confirmed or reliably established.
Predictions
will be identified as predictions.
21. AI-Assisted Content
BROKEN
NEWS may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with certain editorial
tasks.
AI may be
used for activities such as:
- Research assistance;
- Organising information;
- Generating article outlines;
- Identifying possible
questions;
- Grammar and language
assistance;
- SEO assistance;
- Summarisation;
- Content editing;
- Data organisation.
However,
AI-generated information is not automatically treated as verified information.
Editorial
staff remain responsible for reviewing factual claims before publication.
We will
not knowingly publish AI-generated:
- Fake quotations;
- Fake statistics;
- Fake sources;
- Fake events;
- Fake photographs presented
as real;
- Fabricated documents;
- Misleading claims.
AI is an
editorial tool, not a substitute for verification.
22. Use of Images
BROKEN
NEWS aims to use images responsibly and lawfully.
Images
may come from:
- Original photography;
- Official sources;
- Licensed image providers;
- Public-domain sources;
- Creative Commons sources
where the licence permits use;
- Other sources where
appropriate permission has been obtained.
We will
not knowingly present a manipulated or AI-generated image as an authentic
photograph of a real event without appropriate disclosure.
Where an
image requires attribution, appropriate credit should be provided.
23. AI-Generated and
Illustrative Images
Where an
image is illustrative rather than an actual photograph of an event, BROKEN NEWS
may identify it as:
Illustration
or
AI-generated
illustration
where
necessary to prevent readers from mistaking it for authentic news photography.
Illustrative
images should not be used to falsely suggest that a person was present at an
event or that a specific scene actually occurred.
24. User-Generated Content
Readers
may submit comments, photographs, videos, news tips or other material.
BROKEN
NEWS may review submitted material before publication.
Submission
does not guarantee publication.
Users
should only submit material they have the right to provide.
BROKEN
NEWS may remove content that:
- Is unlawful;
- Is defamatory;
- Contains threats;
- Contains hate speech;
- Contains malicious
misinformation;
- Infringes copyright;
- Exposes private personal
information;
- Contains harmful malware or
links;
- Violates applicable laws;
- Violates our editorial
standards.
25. Privacy and Personal
Information
BROKEN
NEWS respects the privacy of individuals.
We will
avoid unnecessarily publishing private personal information such as:
- Home addresses;
- Private telephone numbers;
- Personal email addresses;
- Financial account
information;
- Identification numbers;
- Passwords;
- Sensitive personal
information.
There may
be exceptional circumstances where information about an individual is relevant
to legitimate public-interest reporting.
Such
decisions should consider the public interest, relevance, proportionality and
potential harm.
Our full
approach to personal information is explained in our Privacy Policy.
26. Minors and Vulnerable
People
BROKEN
NEWS takes additional care when reporting on children and vulnerable
individuals.
We will
avoid identifying minors unnecessarily, particularly where identification could
expose them to harm.
When
reporting stories involving children, victims or vulnerable individuals, editorial
decisions should consider:
- Public interest;
- Safety;
- Privacy;
- Legal requirements;
- Potential long-term
consequences.
27. Defamation and
Reputational Harm
BROKEN
NEWS recognises that inaccurate reporting can cause serious reputational harm.
Before
publishing potentially defamatory material, editors should consider:
- Whether the claim is relevant
to the public interest;
- Whether it can be verified;
- Whether it is appropriately
attributed;
- Whether the affected party
has been given an opportunity to respond;
- Whether the wording
accurately reflects the evidence;
- Whether the article could
unnecessarily damage someone's reputation.
We will
not knowingly publish false allegations about individuals or organisations.
28. Anonymous Sources
BROKEN
NEWS may, in exceptional circumstances, use information from anonymous sources.
An
anonymous source should only be used where the information is sufficiently
important and the source has a legitimate reason to remain unidentified.
Where
possible, information from an anonymous source should be independently
corroborated.
Readers
should be informed when significant information comes from an anonymous source,
while protecting the source's identity where confidentiality has been promised.
29. Use of Social Media
Social-media
posts may provide useful leads, eyewitness accounts or official statements.
However,
social-media content is not automatically considered verified simply because it
has been widely shared.
BROKEN
NEWS may verify:
- Account authenticity;
- Original source;
- Date and location;
- Images and videos;
- Independent reporting;
- Official confirmation.
Viral
content will not automatically be treated as factual.
30. Misinformation and
Disinformation
BROKEN
NEWS aims to avoid amplifying false or misleading information.
When
reporting a viral claim because it is itself newsworthy, we will clearly
distinguish between:
What was
claimed
and
What has
been verified.
We will
not deliberately reproduce false information simply because it is likely to
generate clicks.
Where
appropriate, headlines will clearly indicate that a claim has been debunked,
disputed or remains unverified.
31. Editorial Transparency
BROKEN
NEWS aims to tell readers:
- What we know;
- How we know it;
- What remains uncertain;
- Who made a particular claim;
- When information was
obtained;
- Whether the situation is
developing.
We
believe transparency strengthens reader trust.
32. Corrections and Reader
Feedback
Readers
are encouraged to notify BROKEN NEWS when they believe an article contains a
factual error.
Corrections
should be supported by credible evidence where possible.
Readers
can contact our editorial team through the official contact details published
on our Contact Us page.
We will
review credible correction requests and make appropriate changes.
33. Editorial Complaints
Readers
who believe that an article breaches this Editorial Policy may submit an
editorial complaint.
A
complaint should identify:
- The article;
- The specific statement or
issue;
- Why the information is
believed to be inaccurate or misleading;
- Supporting evidence, where
available.
BROKEN
NEWS may investigate the complaint and, where appropriate:
- Correct the article;
- Add clarification;
- Update the article;
- Remove material;
- Reject the complaint if the
published information is adequately supported.
34. Independence from
Political and Commercial Pressure
BROKEN
NEWS will seek to maintain independence from political, commercial and personal
influence.
No
individual, political party, company or advertiser is automatically entitled to
favourable editorial coverage because of a financial, political or personal
relationship.
Editorial
decisions should be based primarily on:
- Public interest;
- Newsworthiness;
- Accuracy;
- Relevance;
- Evidence;
- Fairness.
35. Conflict of Interest
BROKEN
NEWS contributors should disclose relevant conflicts of interest where those
conflicts could reasonably affect the credibility of their reporting.
Where
necessary, an editor may:
- Reassign a story;
- Add a disclosure;
- Use an independent reviewer;
- Decline to publish the
material.
36. Sponsored Relationships
and Affiliate Links
If BROKEN
NEWS participates in affiliate marketing, sponsored campaigns or other
commercial relationships, such relationships should be disclosed where
required.
Commercial
relationships should not automatically determine independent editorial
conclusions.
Affiliate
links may generate a commission when readers make qualifying purchases through
those links.
Where
affiliate content is used, the commercial relationship should be made
reasonably clear to readers.
37. Search Engine
Optimisation
BROKEN
NEWS uses SEO techniques to help readers discover our journalism through search
engines.
SEO may
include:
- Descriptive headlines;
- Relevant keywords;
- Search-friendly URLs;
- Meta descriptions;
- Structured data;
- Internal linking;
- Image ALT text;
- Clear headings.
However,
SEO will not override editorial accuracy.
We will
not intentionally:
- Keyword-stuff articles;
- Hide irrelevant keywords;
- Create misleading titles;
- Publish duplicate pages
solely for search traffic;
- Generate large amounts of
low-value content simply to manipulate search rankings.
Our
objective is to create content that is useful to readers first.
38. Editorial Standards for
AI and Search-Generated Content
BROKEN
NEWS will not knowingly publish mass-produced or automatically generated
articles that provide little original value to readers.
Where
technology is used to assist production, the resulting content should receive
appropriate human editorial review.
Every
published article should provide a legitimate editorial purpose, accurate
information and useful context.
39. Public Interest
BROKEN
NEWS recognises that some information may be justified by a legitimate public
interest even when it involves sensitive subject matter.
Public
interest may include matters involving:
- Public safety;
- Government accountability;
- Financial misconduct;
- Consumer protection;
- Public health;
- Elections;
- Corruption;
- Significant corporate
conduct;
- Environmental risks;
- Serious criminal activity.
Public
interest should not be confused with mere curiosity.
The fact
that information is interesting does not automatically mean that publishing it
is justified.
40. Editorial
Accountability
Ultimately,
BROKEN NEWS accepts responsibility for the material published under its name.
We aim to
maintain a newsroom culture in which:
- Accuracy matters more than
speed;
- Evidence matters more than
speculation;
- Corrections are preferable
to concealment;
- Public interest matters more
than clickbait;
- Transparency matters more
than exaggeration;
- Readers deserve to know what
is confirmed and what remains uncertain.
41. Our Commitment to
Readers
BROKEN
NEWS is committed to continuously improving its journalism.
We
recognise that no publication is perfect.
Our
commitment is therefore not to claim that every article will be error-free, but
to establish systems that reduce errors, correct mistakes and maintain
accountability.
We will
continue to improve our:
- Fact-checking;
- Source verification;
- Editorial review;
- Corrections procedures;
- SEO practices;
- Image verification;
- AI-assisted workflows;
- Reader feedback processes.
42. Related Policies
Readers
should also review the following BROKEN NEWS policies:
- Privacy Policy
- Terms & Conditions
- Disclaimer
- Cookie Policy
- About Us
- Contact Us
43. Contact the Editorial
Team
For
editorial corrections, factual concerns, news tips or complaints about
published material, please contact:
BROKEN
NEWS Business Desk
Country: Ghana
Email: fpkagbaps@gmail.com
Website: https://brokennewsgh.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
BROKEN
NEWS believes that responsible journalism begins with trust.
Our
readers should be able to distinguish between verified facts, allegations,
opinions, analysis, predictions and developing information.
We
therefore commit to reporting as accurately and transparently as reasonably
possible, correcting significant errors, protecting legitimate privacy
interests and avoiding deliberately misleading headlines or fabricated
information.
Accuracy.
Transparency. Accountability. Public Interest.
These
principles form the foundation of the BROKEN NEWS editorial standard.
Last
Updated: 19
August 2026
© 2026
BROKEN NEWS Business Desk. All rights reserved.
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