Purpose of This Policy
The purpose of this policy is to safeguard the impartiality, neutrality, and credibility of National Trident while upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism. Every team member is required to read, understand, and comply with these rules as they apply to their duties.
National Trident treats this code of conduct with the utmost seriousness. Any lapse in judgment within the scope of this policy may be treated as a serious violation and could result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
All new employees must read this code upon joining and provide written acknowledgment.
All employees must reaffirm compliance annually.
Employees must promptly disclose any possible violations, conflicts of interest, or concerns to their supervisor or the Talent Team.
Retaliation against employees who raise concerns in good faith will not be tolerated.
Financial Disclosures
Journalists covering business, finance, or technology may not engage in speculative trading, short selling, or futures/options trading.
Employees must avoid financial activities that could create even the appearance of exploiting inside information.
Senior managers, news staff, and advertising personnel must hold equity investments for at least six months unless prior permission is granted.
No employee (or their immediate family) may trade in companies they directly report on.
Diversified mutual funds and index-based investments are permitted.
Conflict of Interest
Employees must not accept cash, favors, or undisclosed benefits in exchange for coverage, links, or promotions.
Any travel sponsorships, gifts, or perks provided for coverage must be disclosed clearly in reporting.
Employees may not serve on Boards of Directors that present conflicts of interest.
Editorial staff and senior management must refrain from partisan political activity, including campaigning, fundraising, or making political contributions.
Gifts & Freebies
Gifts under ₹1000 in value may be accepted if they are nominal (e.g., mugs, flowers, T-shirts) and not given as quid pro quo.
Items above ₹1000 require managerial approval, otherwise they must be returned or donated.
Products received for reviews must be returned when possible, or donated with approval.
Employees may not resell gifts or accept post-publication perks.
Endorsements of products or services in exchange for compensation or discounts are strictly prohibited.
Social Media Guidelines
Always use good judgment. Remember: nothing online is truly private.
Posts must be respectful, professional, and free from harassment, threats, or discriminatory remarks.
Employees are personally responsible for their posts.
If discussing National Trident or its affiliates online, employees must disclose their affiliation and clarify that opinions are their own.
Confidential information, copyrighted material, or sensitive company details must not be shared.
Employees must comply with all laws and company policies while engaging online.
Fairness
Reporters must present all sides of a story, especially when reporting accusations.
Individuals subject to negative reporting must be given a fair opportunity to respond.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
All reporting, writing, and media published under National Trident must be original or properly credited.