Citizen Charter for News Publishers — Chronicle by The Trending People
Effective Date: January 01, 2026
Last Updated: January 01, 2026
Chronicle by The Trending People is committed to serving citizens with accurate, transparent, and responsible journalism. This Citizen Charter outlines our obligations to the public and the rights every reader holds. It defines our role, responsibilities, and the principles guiding our newsroom to ensure trust, accountability, and ethical journalism.
This charter reflects our commitment to the Constitution of India, democratic values, and the highest standards of digital news publishing.
1. Purpose of the Citizen Charter
This Charter aims to:
- Promote transparency in how we gather, verify, and publish news.
- Establish accountability in our editorial processes.
- Protect the rights and interests of citizens consuming our content.
- Build trust between Chronicle and its readers.
- Ensure responsible and ethical dissemination of information.
2. Our Commitment to Citizens
Chronicle pledges to uphold the following principles:
a. Accuracy
We strive to present factual, verified, and well-sourced information.
All stories undergo rigorous editorial review before publication.
b. Fairness
We offer balanced coverage by presenting multiple viewpoints and avoiding bias.
c. Transparency
We clearly disclose sources, corrections, sponsorships, and affiliations.
d. Accountability
If mistakes occur, we correct them promptly and transparently.
e. Independence
Our journalism is free from political influence, commercial pressure, or external control.
f. Inclusivity
We represent the voices of diverse communities with sensitivity and respect.
g. Public Interest
Our primary duty is to inform the public with news that matters to democratic life and citizen empowerment.
3. Reader Rights Under This Charter
Every reader of Chronicle has the right to:
1. Accurate Information
Access truthful, verified, and responsibly presented news.
2. Fair Representation
Expect unbiased reporting free of discrimination, stereotypes, or prejudice.
3. Clarifications and Corrections
Request corrections or clarifications when a story impacts them or contains inaccuracies.
4. Privacy Protection
Have their personal identity and details protected, especially in sensitive matters.
5. Transparency
Know when content is sponsored, opinion-based, or editorially independent.
6. Respectful Coverage
Expect respectful treatment, especially for sensitive topics involving minors, victims, and private individuals.
7. Grievance Redressal
Contact us for concerns and receive a timely, documented response as per IT Rules.
4. Responsibilities of Chronicle Toward Citizens
To uphold this charter, we commit to the following:
a. Verification of Facts
All published information must be verified through credible sources.
b. Avoidance of Harm
Coverage must not endanger individuals, escalate tensions, or promote violence or hatred.
c. Ethical Reporting
We follow DNPA Code of Ethics, IT Rules 2021, and established journalistic practices.
d. Protection of Minors & Victims
We avoid naming or identifying minors, victims of sexual offences, and individuals in distress.
e. Transparency in Content Types
We clearly label:
- News
- Opinion
- Analysis
- Sponsored content
- Press releases
f. Protection of Intellectual Property
We respect copyrights, trademarks, and moral rights in all content used.
g. Safe Digital Environment
We avoid publishing obscene, explicit, harmful, communal, or illegal content.
5. Our Editorial Accountability System
To ensure trustworthiness:
1. Multi-Level Editorial Review
Stories are reviewed by reporters, editors, and subject specialists when required.
2. Updates and Corrections
Corrections/updates are added with timestamps and transparency notes.
3. Internal Ethical Processes
Journalists undergo training on media laws, ethics, and digital-safe reporting.
4. Conflict-of-Interest Checks
Writers disclose conflicts and do not cover topics where bias may exist.
6. Grievance Redressal for Citizens
Chronicle follows the grievance redressal requirements under IT Rules, 2021.
Grievance Officer:
Name: [Appointed Officer – You can provide name]
Email: grievance@thetrendingpeople.com
Acknowledgement Time: Within 36 hours
Resolution Time: Within 30 days
Citizens can file complaints about:
- Incorrect or misleading news
- Privacy violations
- Misrepresentation
- Intellectual property concerns
- Objectionable or harmful content
All complaints are reviewed fairly, confidentially, and promptly.
7. Ethical Standards in Sensitive Reporting
We follow strict norms for reporting on:
a. Crime & Legal Matters
- Presumption of innocence must be respected.
- No speculation or commentary impacting investigation.
b. Sexual Offences & Minors
- No names, images, or identifiable details.
- Extreme caution and sensitivity at all times.
c. Communal or Religious Issues
- Only factual, verified information is published.
- No content that may ignite tensions or disrupt social harmony.
d. Mental Health, Suicide, and Trauma
We avoid sensational language and follow WHO reporting guidelines.
8. Public Participation
Chronicle encourages active public engagement through:
- Letters to the editor
- Feedback emails
- Fact-checking submissions
- Citizen journalism contributions (subject to editorial review)
- Comments and discussions (moderated for safety)
We value reader perspectives and treat all submissions respectfully.
9. Transparency in Ownership and Funding
Chronicle is part of The Trending People Media Network.
Editorial operations remain independent from commercial and business decisions.
Sponsored partnerships, if any, are explicitly labeled to maintain trust.
10. Periodic Review of This Charter
This Citizen Charter is reviewed periodically to ensure:
- Compliance with updated laws
- Alignment with evolving journalistic standards
- Continued protection of citizen rights
Any major updates will be published on this page.
Conclusion
Chronicle by The Trending People is committed to delivering responsible, ethical, accurate, and citizen-focused journalism. This Citizen Charter serves as our promise to uphold public trust and remain transparent, accountable, and dedicated to the principles of democratic news publishing.
For questions or feedback regarding this charter, please contact:
info@thetrendingpeople.com
