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Publication Policies

Last updated: 19 June 2026

These policies explain who we are, how we produce our journalism, and the standards we hold ourselves to. They apply to all content published on Koottu Media (koottumedia.com).

1. About Us and Funding

Koottu Media (koottumedia.com) is a [for-profit / nonprofit] news publication based in [Thrissur, Kerala], India.

Our mission is to [state your mission in 1–2 sentences, e.g. "deliver accurate, independent, and timely news on [topics/region] to our readers"].

  • Founded: 2026
  • Funding: Our work is funded through [advertising, reader subscriptions, voluntary contributions, grants, etc.]. We disclose any funding that could affect our coverage.

We operate independently. No advertiser, sponsor, or funder has any influence over our editorial decisions. (See Section 5.)

2. Editorial Standards

We are committed to accuracy, fairness, and independence in everything we publish.

  • Accuracy. We verify facts before publication and rely on credible, primary sources wherever possible. We do not publish information we cannot reasonably stand behind.
  • Fairness and balance. We give individuals or organizations who are the subject of critical coverage a reasonable opportunity to respond, and we represent differing viewpoints fairly.
  • Independence. Editorial decisions are made by our newsroom alone, free from commercial, political, or personal influence.
  • Clarity. We clearly distinguish between news reporting, analysis, and opinion. Opinion and editorial pieces are labeled as such.
  • Original reporting. We produce our own reporting and properly attribute any information, data, or quotes drawn from other sources.

3. Authorship, Bylines, and Dates

Readers should always know who wrote what they are reading and when.

  • Every article carries a byline identifying the author (or "Koottu Media Staff" / "Editorial Team" where appropriate).
  • Every article displays a clear publication date, and an updated date when material changes are made.
  • Author biographies, including their areas of expertise and relevant credentials, are available on their author pages.
  • Wire-service or syndicated content is clearly credited to its original source.

4. Sourcing and Verification

  • We prefer named, on-the-record sources and identify them as fully as possible.
  • We use anonymous sources only when the information is in the public interest, cannot be obtained another way, and the source faces a genuine risk. Such use is approved by a senior editor.
  • We verify information through multiple sources or documentation before publishing.
  • We label and link to original documents, data, studies, and reports when relevant so readers can check our work.

5. Editorial Independence and Conflicts of Interest

  • Our journalists do not accept gifts, payments, free travel, or favors that could compromise, or appear to compromise, their impartiality.
  • Staff disclose any personal, financial, or political interest that could create a conflict with a story; where a conflict exists, the staff member is reassigned.
  • We maintain a strict separation between our editorial operations and our commercial/advertising operations.

6. Advertising and Sponsored Content

We comply with Google News requirements that advertising not exceed editorial content and that paid material never be disguised as independent journalism.

  • Sponsored content, advertorials, and partner content are clearly and prominently labeled (e.g., "Sponsored," "Paid Partnership," "Advertisement").
  • Any sponsorship, payment, or material support behind a piece of content is disclosed to readers.
  • Affiliate links, where present, are disclosed. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases, but this does not influence our editorial recommendations.
  • Advertising does not dictate, and is kept separate from, our editorial coverage.

7. Corrections and Complaints

We correct errors promptly and transparently.

  • If we publish a material error of fact, we correct it as soon as possible and add a correction note explaining what was changed and when.
  • Minor updates (typos, formatting) may be made without a note; substantive changes are logged.
  • To request a correction or raise a complaint, contact us at mail@koottumedia.com with the article URL and details. We aim to respond within [e.g., 3 business days].
  • We do not delete published articles to hide mistakes; we correct and annotate them.

8. Use of Artificial Intelligence

We use AI tools only to assist with tasks such as [research, transcription, copy-editing, formatting]. All AI-assisted content is reviewed and verified by a human editor before publication, and a named human is responsible for every story. We do not publish fabricated or unverified AI-generated content.

9. Content Standards and Prohibited Content

To maintain a trustworthy publication, we do not publish content that:

  • incites or promotes hatred, harassment, or discrimination against individuals or groups;
  • promotes or facilitates dangerous, illegal, or harmful activities;
  • is deceptive, manipulated, or intended to mislead readers;
  • contains gratuitous violence, gore, or sexually explicit material;
  • promotes violent extremism;
  • spreads demonstrably false information presented as fact.

These standards align with applicable law and with the content policies of the platforms we distribute through.

10. User Comments and Contributions

  • Reader comments and submissions are welcome but moderated. We remove content that is unlawful, abusive, defamatory, spam, or that violates Section 9.
  • Submitting content does not guarantee publication. We may edit submissions for length and clarity.

11. Privacy and Reader Data

We respect the privacy of our readers and handle personal data in accordance with applicable law, including India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

Where we offer subscriptions, contributions, newsletter sign-ups, or registration (including through reader-revenue tools), we collect and process data as described in our [Privacy Policy](PRIVACY POLICY URL). Please review it for full details on what we collect, how we use it, and your rights.

12. Copyright and Reuse

All content on Koottu Media is protected by copyright unless otherwise stated. To request permission to reproduce or syndicate our work, contact mail@koottumedia.com.

13. Contact Us

We welcome questions, feedback, and news tips. You can reach us at mail@koottumedia.com.

These policies are reviewed periodically and updated to reflect our practices and applicable standards.

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