Ethics

Frontliner adheres to principles and values Code of Ethics of Ukrainian Journalists, however, leaves employees free to discuss its content and application. We work carefully and especially carefully with information regarding minors, as well as victims of war or other traumatic events. The editors of the publication do not describe the details of the events related to the lethal consequences that are not fundamental for understanding the situation.

Balance

Frontliner articles are unbiased and balanced. We cover different points of view from the position of equidistance. As a balance, Frontliner does not disseminate ideas and statements that question the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, deny civil rights and freedoms, promote violence and discrimination in any form, and violate the law. Balance also does not mean an equal right to speak for the aggressor and the victim of violence, for the invader and the defender, or for the terrorist and the law enforcement officer. The enemy’s point of view is not an alternative opinion, but aims to promote aggression against Ukraine. We avoid sayings or images that could romanticize the actions of criminals.

Authenticity

Frontliner creates exclusively original content, and editors make decisions within the framework of a defined policy. Frontliner disseminates only reliable information. The editors report only on confirmed facts, naming the sources of information and giving preference to information from primary sources. When disseminating information from other media, we name them and add appropriate hyperlinks. When it comes to using a publication compromised by the spread of propaganda or fakes as a source of information, we indicate this in a way that is understandable to the audience. Frontliner may not name the sources of information for security reasons. But such sources must be known to the author and editor of the material. Contributors to our site have the right to use pseudonyms. Responsibility for such publications rests with the editorial board. The materials may contain comments, value judgments and logical conclusions of both authors and invited experts. But we clearly separate facts from comments. Frontliner not only informs but also explains the context of events, helping the audience to independently analyze the background and consequences of the phenomena described.

Accuracy & Correction

Frontliner pays attention to the accuracy of the information and provides accurate citations, but reserves the right to correct grammatical, syntactical, and stylistic errors in them. Inaccuracy cannot be justified by promptness. Frontliner aims to obtain exclusive information from the original source in a short time. At the same time, accuracy and reliability are priorities. Frontliner promptly corrects errors and encourages the audience to comment and make suggestions: leave complaints, suggest topics for coverage, and help us with sources of information. If the article is completely untrue, we publish an apology to our audience and a retraction. We also invite you to comment on our materials. After the publication of the material, Frontliner does not make corrections and does not delete articles at the request of third parties or heroes of the articles, if the information specified in the text was made public with the consent of the source, is true and does not pose a threat to human life or health.

Right of retraction and reply

The person named in the article, or his/her authorized representative, may apply to the editorial office with a request for a refutation if the information provided about him/her is not true. At the same time, the format of the refutation is determined by the editorial board of the publication. Frontliner may grant a right of reply if the disputed material is credible, but may damage the reputation of the person named in it. The content of such a response is formulated by the complainant, and the format of its placement is determined by the decision of the editorial board.

Protection of journalists’ rights

Frontliner ensures editorial freedoms and protection of employees’ rights, taking care of their legal, physical and material safety.

Funding & Independence

Frontliner is funded by donor organizations that share its values. At the same time, donors do not influence the editorial policy.

Freedom of Speech and Diversity

Frontliner values freedom of speech, respects diversity of opinion, and is strongly opposed to any form of discrimination.

Copyright & Exclusivity

Frontliner respects copyright, does not plagiarize, and offers exclusive content on a commercial basis to other media outlets.

Response to criticism

Frontliner is tolerant of criticism, particularly on social media, responding exclusively to the point and without getting personal. That is, in accordance with the norms of journalistic ethics.

Commercial activity

Frontliner content is available for non-commercial use with a mandatory hyperlink to our resource. Our policy allows us to distribute and create unique content on commercial terms for other media and objects in the field of film production, among others. Frontliner does not place hidden and unfair advertisements. We do not post paid publications under the guise of editorials. All paid materials are marked in a way that is understandable to the audience. In such cases, we prefer the “Advertising” label. Frontliner does not place unscrupulous, harmful or toxic advertisements. Advertisers have no influence on Frontliner’s editorial policies and have no preference for editorial content related to them.