Journalistic Ethics and Conduct
At Rebel News, we tell the other side of the story — not just to be different but because we believe the truth is often found outside official narratives, government talking points, and the narrow consensus of mainstream media.
We are committed to doing journalism that is fearless, factual, and free from political influence. Our editorial team is guided by a clear set of principles outlined below. Our ethics reflect our mission and our journalistic responsibility to the public.
1. We follow the facts wherever they lead
Our journalism begins with an unwavering commitment to the truth. That means:
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Pursuing facts even when they challenge the political or cultural orthodoxy.
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Giving priority to primary sources, firsthand reporting, and verifiable evidence.
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Making clear distinctions between factual reporting, analysis, opinion, and satire.
We are not neutral. We are independent. We are not stenographers for government or corporate press releases. We are investigative journalists who serve the public by exposing what the powerful would rather keep hidden.
2. The story comes first — not the reporter
We train our journalists to keep the focus on the story, not themselves. Our job is to document events, amplify voices that are ignored, and shine light in dark places — not to perform for the camera.
However, when we are forcibly removed from press conferences, arrested by police under political pressure, or otherwise become the subject of a story simply for doing our jobs, we will report it. We don’t seek attention. But we also don’t retreat from the truth when it involves us.
3. We judge people as individuals
We reject identity politics. At Rebel News, we judge people based on their actions and ideas — not their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.
We are individualists. We believe that as long as a person is leaving everyone else alone, then every person deserves to be treated with dignity and judged on merit, not group identity.
But we also believe in biological realities, and we will not toe the line of political correctness just to fit in.
4. We champion freedom
We support freedom of speech, religion, conscience, and assembly. We speak out for individual liberty, bodily autonomy, and democratic accountability.
We oppose authoritarianism in all its forms — including Islamism, fascism, communism, and any ideology or movement that promotes violence against civilians.
We reject government overreach, and we distinguish between lawful, peaceful protest and coercive, lawless intimidation. We oppose violent, masked, anonymous demonstrations that illegally take over public spaces and threaten civil society.
5. We are independent
We accept no government handouts. We rely entirely on the voluntary support of our viewers and readers. That independence allows us to report on any topic without fear of losing access, funding, or approval.
We do not answer to political parties. Our loyalty is to the truth and to our audience.
Our funding largely comes from donations, subscriptions, books and merchandise sales, events, and advertising.
6. We uphold professional integrity
We expect all Rebel News journalists to conduct themselves with professionalism, honesty, and respect — in the field, on camera, and online. This includes:
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Avoiding conflicts of interest.
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Protecting confidential sources.
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Not fabricating, distorting, or plagiarizing.
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Making best efforts to contact the subjects of our journalism, especially when allegations or criticisms are involved. We give them a fair opportunity to respond, deny, or decline to comment. Their responses — or their decision not to respond — are included in our coverage. This is responsible journalism.
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Using hidden cameras or deceptive methods only when there is no other way to report a story of overwhelming public interest, and only with management approval.
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Being transparent about errors and correcting them promptly and publicly.
7. We protect the vulnerable and hold the powerful accountable
We take extra care when interviewing victims, minors, or vulnerable individuals. Our goal is to inform, not exploit.
At the same time, we are unapologetic in holding public officials, institutions, and corporations accountable. We believe journalism’s highest calling is to confront power with evidence and scrutiny.
8. We defend free expression — even for those we disagree with
Freedom of speech includes speech we don’t like. We defend open debate, intellectual pluralism, and the right to dissent — even when it is uncomfortable.
We cover stories and people the mainstream media ignore or smear. We believe that bad ideas should be challenged in public, not suppressed in private.
9. We are Rebels — but we are responsible
We are proud to be outsiders in a media ecosystem dominated by conformity. But we take our work seriously. Every journalist at Rebel News is expected to maintain high standards of accuracy, fairness, and professionalism.
We are not perfect — but we are honest, transparent, and accountable. And we never forget why we’re here: to tell the other side of the story.
10. We don't just report the news
Rebel News is not a passive observer of injustice. When we encounter individuals who have been harmed by government overreach, censorship, or political persecution, we sometimes go beyond just reporting the story.
We may launch crowdfunding campaigns, letter-writing campaigns, or petitions to support individuals affected by the events we cover. We may help secure legal counsel for those facing unjust charges or fines. We may also organize public awareness efforts in unique ways, including guerilla marketing techniques, to promote accountability and reform.
We do this not as activists but as journalists committed to real-world impact — especially when the system is stacked against ordinary people. The mainstream media is increasingly detached from the consequences of its stories; that's why we are proud to stand with those who need help, not just tell their stories and move on.