Code of Ethics

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The Independent takes its name seriously. 

Independence means we maintain full authority to make editorial decisions, including which stories to cover and how to cover them. 

We maintain professional journalistic standards and follow the principles of independence, accuracy, and fairness.

As a non-profit independent news outlet that does not depend on advertising and is not accountable to owners or shareholders, we are also free from corporate influence.

We maintain a strict separation between our news coverage and our sources of revenue, and we make this policy clear to our donors and those who offer us financial support.

In the spirit of transparency, we share our Code of Ethics for three reasons:

• to affirm our values and principles to ourselves and to our readers, listeners and supporters;
• to establish public trust through transparency;
• and to present our readers and listeners with a means to hold us accountable.

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Mission

The Independent engages, informs, and empowers readers on issues important to Newfoundland and Labrador. We foster both emerging and established voices through responsible, rigorous journalism—free from fear or favour.

Vision

The Independent engages a wide and diverse audience in critical, constructive, and compelling dialogue. We hold the powerful to account because democracy requires transparency. We analyze and contextualize the arts, culture, industries, and ideas that shape Newfoundland and Labrador’s past, present, and future. 

Values

Independence: The Independent is a not-for-profit media organisation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We are transparent about any grants, sponsorships or advertising we receive. 

Community: The Independent promotes and encourages communication and collaboration between and among communities in the province by fostering participatory journalism.

Social Justice: The Independent is grounded in a commitment to decolonization, social and environmental justice, democracy, and human flourishing.

Responsibility: The Independent operates within a rigorous journalistic framework, and brings these standards to everything we do. The Independent strives to provide excellent working conditions for staff and freelancers.

Accessibility: The Independent is committed to making its publications accessible to a wide audience regardless of means or ability.

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Donor & Funding Transparency 

The foundation for our independence is laid by our readers and supporters, many of whom make recurring monthly donations to fund our work. We also accept one-time donations from individuals, unions, and other organizations. We have also received grants from the Government of Canada via arms-reach organizations such as News Media Canada, which distributes Local Journalism Initiative funding.

We will never accept funding that infringes on our editorial independence.

All sources of revenue above $2,000 per year are listed below. Individuals or organizations who contribute less than $2,000 per year are kept anonymous. All government funding is disclosed, regardless of amount.

Revenue 2024-2025 Fiscal Year