Editorial policy
Speed matters in breaking news, but accuracy, context and transparent sourcing take priority over being first.
Verification
Material claims should be supported by reliable reporting, primary documents or direct statements. Where facts remain uncertain, the story should say so clearly rather than turn uncertainty into certainty.
Headlines and updates
Headlines must describe what is known without manufacturing urgency. Developing stories may be updated as stronger information becomes available, with the latest update time visible on the article.
Automation
Automation may assist discovery, clustering, categorisation, drafting, internal linking and distribution. Publication accountability remains with the BriefingAfrica newsroom. Public bylines should reflect the responsible desk or author, not expose an AI tool as the publication’s editorial identity.
Independence
Advertising, sponsorship or commercial relationships must not determine factual conclusions in editorial coverage. Sponsored material should be labelled distinctly from newsroom reporting.