Editorial Policy
1. Mission and Editorial Independence
Harbinger Tribune (Insight Asia) is an independent digital publication providing rigorous coverage of news, politics, economics, society, and culture across the Asian continent and its diaspora communities. Our editorial decisions are made exclusively on journalistic merit, free from commercial, political, governmental, or ownership influence.
2. Professional Standards
We adhere to the SPJ Code of Ethics, the IFJ Declaration of Principles, and the standards of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) where applicable to our coverage of Asian communities. We further draw on the guidelines of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in relation to journalist safety and the protection of sources operating in high-risk environments across Asia.
3. Accuracy and Verification
All material facts are verified through independent sources before publication. We prioritise primary sources including government data, official statements, peer-reviewed research, and direct testimony. Given the diversity of languages, political systems, and media environments across Asia, we apply heightened verification standards for reporting that relies on state-controlled or restricted media sources. Reporting from jurisdictions with limited press freedom is clearly contextualised.
4. Asia Focus and Regional Standards
Harbinger Tribune covers Asia as a whole, encompassing East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia. We apply the following region-specific standards:
- China coverage: We distinguish between official state communications and independent reporting. We note where information originates from state-controlled media outlets and where independent verification is not possible. We apply the standards of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China in assessing the reliability of sources.
- India and South Asia: We draw on the broad ecosystem of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and Nepali independent media, and contextualise our reporting with reference to the specific constitutional, legal, and political frameworks of each country.
- Southeast Asia: We are mindful of the diversity of press freedom conditions across ASEAN member states and apply proportionate caution in reporting from countries where independent journalism faces legal or physical risks.
- Conflict and humanitarian reporting: Coverage of armed conflicts and humanitarian crises across Asia follows the guidelines of the ICRC and the Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT) principles. We do not publish information that could endanger civilians or humanitarian workers.
5. Impartiality
Harbinger Tribune does not take institutional positions on contested political or territorial questions in Asia, including but not limited to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and Himalayan border regions. We present factual reporting and expert analysis without editorial advocacy for any state or non-state party.
6. Source Protection
We recognise that confidential sources in many parts of Asia operate under serious personal risk. We apply the highest standards of source protection, including the use of encrypted communication channels for communication with vulnerable sources. We will not disclose a confidential source except in the most exceptional circumstances and after exhausting all legal remedies.
7. Corrections
Errors are corrected promptly and transparently, with a clear correction notice on the affected article. Retractions are issued where a story is fundamentally flawed. Readers may report errors to support@harbingerpressmedia.com.
8. Artificial Intelligence
AI tools may be used to assist research, translation, and drafting. All AI-assisted content is reviewed and approved by a human journalist. AI-generated content is not published without editorial oversight and will be disclosed per applicable industry norms.
9. Contact
Harbinger Bros. LLC
Email: support@harbingerpressmedia.com