Editorial policy
Sponsored content policy
The Daily Newcastle is a member of The Daily Network. We accept paid sponsorship from local businesses, but readers must always be able to tell the difference between independent journalism and paid material. This policy explains how.
Clear labelling
Any article, newsletter item, video, image or homepage card paid for by a third party is labelled "Sponsored" at the top of the unit, in the same place every time. The label is the same size and weight as our news kickers so it cannot be mistaken for editorial.
Where a piece is written or supplied by the sponsor, we add the line "This content was supplied by [advertiser]" directly beneath the headline. Where it is written by our newsroom on behalf of a sponsor, we add "Produced by The Daily Newcastle for [advertiser]".
Compliance with the ACCC and Australian Consumer Law
We follow the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's guidance on advertising and the prohibitions on misleading and deceptive conduct in the Australian Consumer Law. Sponsored content must not impersonate independent journalism, must not contain claims the advertiser cannot substantiate, and must comply with industry codes that apply to the advertiser's sector (for example therapeutic goods, finance, gambling and alcohol).
Editorial independence
Sponsors do not see, approve or veto independent news coverage. They do not receive favourable coverage in our news pages in exchange for spend. Our newsroom decides what we cover and how we cover it. Where a sponsor appears in independent reporting (for example a council decision involving a local business that has separately advertised with us), we disclose the commercial relationship inside the article.
What we will not run
- Sponsored content disguised as breaking news, court reporting or investigative journalism.
- Health, financial or legal claims without substantiation that meets the relevant regulator's standard.
- Gambling, payday lending or tobacco advertising.
- Political advertising without an authorisation statement that complies with the Commonwealth Electoral Act.
Affiliate links and commercial relationships
Where an article contains an affiliate link or refers to a partner whose product we may earn revenue from, we disclose that at the foot of the article. Affiliate revenue never determines whether or how we recommend a product.
Corrections and complaints
If you believe a sponsored piece on The Daily Newcastle is misleading, unlabelled or breaches this policy, contact the editor via our contact page. We will investigate, respond within five business days, and publish a correction or remove the content where warranted.