Rules and Ethics: Editorial Independence and Advertising Policy
1. Purpose and Scope
This document defines the ethical framework and operational standards guiding True North Strategic Review (TNSR). As an independent publication operated by a small editorial team, TNSR upholds the same professional principles and rigor as major institutions, with the added accountability and transparency that come from direct personal oversight. These rules apply to all editorial, partnership, sponsorship, and advertising activities associated with TNSR.
1.1 Financial Disclosure Statement
TNSR operates under a transparent financial model supported by advertising, sponsorships, limited partnerships, and reader contributions.
TNSR does not receive funding from political parties, lobbying entities, or undisclosed donors.
All significant financial relationships that intersect with editorial or analytical work are declared annually in TNSR’s Financial Disclosure Statement, available publicly on the TNSR website.
No editorial decisions are influenced by financial considerations, and no outside party holds ownership or control over TNSR’s editorial operations.
2. Core Ethical Principles
Accuracy and Integrity – All content must be factual, well-sourced, and responsibly presented.
Independence – Editorial judgment rests solely with TNSR’s editorial leadership, free from political, commercial, or personal influence.
Transparency – All financial relationships, sponsorships, or collaborations that support TNSR’s work will be disclosed clearly.
Accountability – Errors are corrected publicly, promptly, and without qualification.
Professionalism – Fairness, respect for sources, and honest representation define all reporting and analysis.
3. Editorial Independence
Editorial Autonomy – Editorial content decisions are made solely by the Editor-in-Chief or designated contributors. No advertiser, sponsor, or donor may determine story selection, tone, or coverage.
No Prior Review – Advertisers and sponsors have no right to preview or edit editorial material prior to publication.
Equal Treatment – Advertisers and partners receive no special consideration in editorial coverage. All subjects are approached with equal scrutiny and fairness.
Constructive Engagement – TNSR encourages advertisers, sponsors, and featured organizations to view coverage — including critical analysis — as an opportunity for constructive dialogue and engagement, not hostility. Public criticism, when warranted, reflects TNSR’s commitment to rigorous discussion and informed accountability.
Disclosure of Support – If a piece or project receives financial or logistical support, this will be disclosed prominently within the content.
4. Advertising and Sponsorship Standards
Review and Approval – The Editor-in-Chief personally reviews all advertising and sponsorship proposals to ensure alignment with TNSR’s mission and ethical standards.
Labeling and Transparency – Sponsored or partner content is always clearly marked as “Sponsored,” “Paid Promotion,” or “In Partnership With.”
Editorial Firewall – Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement and exerts no influence over editorial choices or tone.
Relevance and Quality – Advertising should be relevant to the fields of defence, security, strategy, policy, or technology and must reflect professionalism and factual accuracy.
Right of Refusal – TNSR reserves the unrestricted right to reject or withdraw advertising at any time, with or without explanation.
5. Conflict of Interest, Gifts, Hospitality, and Access Policy
Disclosure Requirements– Any personal, financial, or professional connection that may influence coverage must be disclosed to the Editor-in-Chief and, when relevant, to readers.
Coverage Integrity – Editorial treatment of advertisers or sponsors must remain objective and evidence-based.
Measured Transparency Approach – TNSR acknowledges that legitimate access — including media briefings, facility visits, and professional events — is essential to effective reporting.
Hospitality or travel support may be accepted only when:
• It is necessary for factual and firsthand reporting.
• It carries no editorial conditions or review rights.
• Its provision is disclosed when relevant to the story.
Minor hospitality incidental to reporting (e.g., meals or transportation during briefings) may be accepted when reasonable.
Gifts of material value or items offered with intent to influence coverage must be declined or returned.
All travel or hospitality accepted will be documented internally and, when applicable, disclosed publicly.
Outside Work – Any external engagements by TNSR contributors that intersect with their editorial focus must be disclosed and approved before publication.
6. Transparency and Corrections
Sponsorship Disclosure – All partnerships, sponsorships, or funding arrangements tied to specific content will be acknowledged openly.
Correction Policy – Errors are corrected promptly and visibly, with explanations where relevant.
Source Attribution – Information, documents, and data are attributed unless confidentiality has been expressly granted for legitimate journalistic purposes.
Recordkeeping – All corrections and retractions are logged internally and remain visible for historical transparency.
7. Political and Defence Sector Advertising
Eligibility – TNSR may accept advertising from defence, political, governmental, or industry organizations provided the content adheres to legal, ethical, and professional standards.
Transparency – All such advertisers must disclose their identity and parent or affiliated organizations. Anonymous or disguised sponsorship is prohibited.
Editorial Freedom – Advertising relationships do not inhibit or shape editorial coverage. TNSR retains full freedom to investigate or critique any advertiser.
Constructive Critique – TNSR welcomes advertisers and sector participants to engage respectfully with criticism and use it as a basis for dialogue, improvement, and understanding.
Public Trust Consideration – Advertisements are reviewed for potential impact on public trust, national security, or ethical credibility.
8. Prohibited Advertising
TNSR does not accept advertising that:
• Promotes hate, violence, or discrimination.
• Contains misinformation or unverifiable claims.
• Markets arms, mercenary, or paramilitary services.
• Involves sanctioned or disreputable entities.
• Misrepresents affiliation with TNSR or impersonates public institutions.
• Undermines journalistic integrity or public trust.
9. Complaints and Accountability
Raising Concerns – Readers, advertisers, or third parties may submit ethical concerns or complaints to TNSR via official channels.
Internal Review – The Editor-in-Chief will review and address the concern, taking corrective or clarifying action as appropriate.
Independent Review Option – If a concern involves a potential conflict of interest, ethical ambiguity, or dispute, it may be referred to an unaffiliated Independent Reviewer for impartial evaluation.
Respect for Findings – Recommendations from the Independent Reviewer will be implemented in good faith wherever feasible.
Transparency of Outcome – Where relevant, TNSR may summarize the outcome of major ethics or advertising reviews publicly.
10. Oversight and Policy Maintenance
Responsible Authority – The Editor-in-Chief serves as TNSR’s Ethics Officer and custodian of this policy.
Independent Reviewer Register – TNSR maintains a list of qualified external professionals (journalists, academics, or ethics specialists) available for independent review when required.
Annual Review – This policy is reassessed annually to reflect changing standards, legal requirements, and best practices.
Public Availability – The Rules and Ethics document is accessible on the TNSR website for full public transparency.
11. Source Protection and Security Policy
TNSR is committed to protecting confidential sources and sensitive information obtained during reporting.
Information identifying a confidential source shall not be disclosed to any third party, including advertisers or partners, without explicit consent or legal compulsion.
Communications related to sensitive reporting may be conducted through encrypted or secure channels.
Contributors must handle documents, data, and communications responsibly and in accordance with Canadian law and journalistic best practice.
TNSR recognizes the essential role of whistleblowers and confidential informants in advancing public understanding and commits to safeguarding their anonymity whenever possible.
12. Data and Privacy Ethics
TNSR respects the privacy of its readers, partners, and sources. Any personal data collected — such as contact information or analytics — is used solely for operational, analytical, or communication purposes.
TNSR will never sell, trade, or share personal data with advertisers or sponsors.
Data collection and storage practices adhere to the principles of Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
TNSR employs reasonable security measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse of information.
13. Ethical Partnerships
TNSR may collaborate with institutions, research bodies, or industry partners for events, publications, or educational initiatives.
All partnerships must uphold the same ethical and editorial independence standards outlined in this policy.
TNSR will not enter into any partnership that restricts its right to independently analyze, critique, or report on participating organizations.
Any co-branded or jointly produced content will clearly identify all participating entities and the nature of their involvement.
Financial or logistical support from partners will be disclosed in accordance with TNSR’s transparency standards.
14. Intellectual Property and Content Reuse Policy
All original content produced by TNSR — including articles, analysis, photography, graphics, and multimedia — is the intellectual property of TNSR unless otherwise credited.
Reproduction, redistribution, or quotation of TNSR material must:
• Clearly credit “True North Strategic Review (TNSR)” with a visible citation and link to the original source.
• Maintain the integrity and context of the original content.
• Receive prior written permission for commercial or derivative use.
TNSR also respects the intellectual property rights of others and adheres to fair dealing principles in its own reporting, with proper attribution for data, images, and sources.
15. Statement of Commitment
True North Strategic Review believes that independence and integrity are the foundations of credibility. As a small, independent publication, TNSR’s strength lies in its ability to act without influence, speak with honesty, and approach all issues — even controversial ones — with respect for truth and open engagement.
TNSR’s principle remains constant: to inform without allegiance, to critique without malice, and to earn trust through rigor and candor.
Appendix A: Advertising Review Procedure
Stage 1 – Evaluation
• The Editor-in-Chief reviews every proposed advertisement or sponsorship for relevance, legality, factual accuracy, and ethical compatibility.
• Advertisers are screened for credibility, transparency, and compliance with Canadian law and international standards.
• Potential conflicts of interest or reputational risks are identified and documented.
Stage 2 – Approval and Documentation
• Approved advertisements or sponsorships are confirmed in writing, with clear terms, placement, and disclosure requirements.
• Where an advertisement raises ethical concerns, the Editor-in-Chief may consult a designated Independent Reviewer prior to approval.
• Sponsored content must meet the same factual and quality standards as all TNSR publications.
Stage 3 – Oversight and Post-Publication Review
• All active advertising remains subject to ongoing oversight.
• If new information arises regarding an advertiser’s activities or reputation, TNSR may suspend or remove the advertisement immediately.
• Disputes or ethical concerns may be referred to an Independent Reviewer.
Appendix B: Independent Reviewer Appointment Process
Purpose
The Independent Reviewer ensures impartial assessment of ethical disputes, conflicts of interest, or advertising concerns when internal review alone may not suffice.
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be unaffiliated with TNSR or the involved advertiser/party.
• Must have professional experience in journalism, academia, public ethics, or communications law.
• Must uphold confidentiality and impartiality throughout the review process.
Selection Process
• The Editor-in-Chief proposes a reviewer from TNSR’s pre-approved register or, if mutually agreed, from outside it.
• Both TNSR and the concerned party must consent to the appointment.
• If disagreement arises, a mutually acceptable substitute will be identified within ten business days.
Term and Scope
• The Independent Reviewer serves only for the duration of the specific case or issue referred.
• Reviews focus strictly on ethical and procedural matters, not editorial judgment or style.
Disclosure and Reporting
• Reviewers must declare any potential conflicts of interest before accepting a case.
• Findings are reported to TNSR in writing and, where relevant, summarized for public transparency.
• Reviewer participation and findings may be disclosed publicly if both parties consent.
Authority of Findings
• The Reviewer’s recommendations are non-binding but carry authoritative moral and ethical weight.
• TNSR commits to implementing findings in good faith unless they contravene law, safety, or operational integrity.
Effective Date and Version
Effective Date: October 28, 2025
Version: 1.3 – Updated to include Financial Disclosure, Source Protection, Data and Privacy, Ethical Partnerships, and Intellectual Property Policies.
Maintained by: Editor-in-Chief, True North Strategic Review
Contact Information: info@truenorthstrategicreview.ca