Our Press Ethics Charter

Indigo Publications’ ethics charter was adopted in 2017 after consultation between editorial staff and management.

It meets the requirements of the 14 November 2016 French law instated to “strengthen the liberty, independence and pluralism of the media”.

This charter aims to guarantee Indigo Publications’ editorial independence and provide its editorial staff with the means of putting this independence into practice.
Charte déonthologique

A. Aims of the Publishing Group

Indigo Publications is a press group whose capital is independent of all outside influence, including that of the media, the government and political organisations. Its income is made entirely through the sale of its written products, aside from that made from financial investments. Indigo Publications is active in defending its total editorial independence, neither accepts outside advertising nor engages in any consulting activities.

Indigo Publications is based in Paris. Its mission is to provide its readers with high-quality, duly weighed, fact-checked and trustworthy information. Its publications are recognised by the French Press Agencies and Publications Parity Committee (Commission paritaire des publications et agences de presse, CPPAP). They include:

  • AFRICAINTELLIGENCE.FR, CPPAP No.: 1225 Y 90644
  • AFRICAINTELLIGENCE.COM, CPPAP No.: 1225 Y 92894
  • GLITZ.PARIS, CPPAP No.: 1124 W 95018
  • INTELLIGENCEONLINE.FR, CPPAP No.: 1225 Z 90645
  • INTELLIGENCEONLINE.COM, CPPAP No.: 1225 Z 92895
  • LALETTRE.FR, CPPAP No.: 1225 Y 90643

B. Purpose of the Charter

The aim of the present charter is to delineate the commitments, duties and principles that govern the actions of Indigo Publications’ editorial team.

Indigo Publications considers these to be fundamental to its operations. A copy of this charter is given to every journalist in the company.

C. Adhesion to the Munich Declaration of the Duties and Rights of Journalists

Indigo Publications is a member of the French online independent media union, Syndicat de la presse indépendante d’information en ligne (SPIIL). As such, the company has accepted to comply with the rules of the SPIIL’s good practices guidelines. This document is a supplement to the Munich Declaration on the duties and rights of journalists that SPIIL members undertake to respect (see Appendix).

D. Independence 

Indigo Publications defines itself as an independent press group. It firmly believes in the unhindered circulation of information and does not act in the service of third-party interests or influence.

E. Fees and Gifts

Exceptional circumstances aside, Indigo Publications covers all professional fees incurred by its journalists: travel, accommodation, food, etc.

Indigo Publications journalists pledge to refrain from accepting gifts or other benefits, whether directly or indirectly, in the context of their profession or, more generally, in any situation that could affect their work.

These specific circumstances are defined by the head of the editorial team and each member of the team must consult this person as regards this subject.

These rules do not apply to accepting free tickets to certain events or conferences that they are covering in their capacity as journalists.

Participation in press tours is paid for by Indigo Publications.

F. Separation of Commercial and Editorial Activities

Indigo Publications’ commercial and editorial activities are separate. Those in charge of sales (marketing and management of subscriptions) do not have any editorial responsibilities or direct hierarchical relationships with the editorial staff.

G. Social Responsibility

Indigo Publications pledges to employ on a permanent basis professional journalists equipped with press cards. It adheres to the various collective agreements that apply to press groups.

Indigo Publications’ journalists undertake to refrain from participating in any activities that benefit brands, companies, governments or organisations.

H. Grants and Funding

To ensure full transparency regarding financial assistance for the press, Indigo Publications undertakes to inform its readers of any financial support it receives from either public or private sources and the projects to which such funds will be allocated.

I. Shareholder Structure

Indigo Publications’ legal notices are accessible and openly displayed on each of its publications’ websites. They include the name of the publication’s managing editor, the company’s legal status and the names of its main shareholders (those holding over 10% of the share capital).

J. Publication of Annual Statements

Each year, Indigo Publications provides its readers with a summary of its annual financial statements published  on the company’s website. The full financial statements are filed with the Registry of the Paris Court of Commerce, where they can be accessed by the general public.

K. Advertising

Indigo Publications refuses all forms of advertisement (including brand content and native advertising).

Only notifications of conferences are accepted free of charge within the framework of our partnerships.

The Charter of Munich

Declaration of the Duties and Rights of Journalists

The right to information, freedom of speech and criticism is one of the most fundamental human rights. The general public’s right to be informed of facts and opinions shapes the role of journalists and their respective rights. Journalists’ responsibility to the public trumps all others, especially as regards their employers and public powers. The act of providing information depends upon each journalist’s ability to know their own limits and assert them when necessary. Such is the goal of this declaration. The responsibilities intrinsic to the journalistic profession can only be fully realised if the concrete conditions of independence and professional dignity are respected. Such is the intention of the following declaration of rights.

Declaration of Journalistic Responsabilities

The essential responsibilities of journalists in gathering, reporting and commenting on events are as follows:

  • To respect the truth regardless of the consequences for themselves, as the public has a right to know the truth.
  • To defend freedom of information, and the right to comment and critique.
  • To publish only information whose origin can be traced or, if untraceable, to accompany it with due reservations; to refrain from deleting key information or altering texts and documents.
  • To refrain from using underhanded methods of obtaining information, photographs and documents.
  • To commit to respecting each individual’s private life.
  • To correct any published information that proves to be inaccurate.
  • To observe professional discretion and refrain from divulging sources of confidential information.
  • To refuse all forms of plagiarism, slander, defamation and unfounded accusations, as well as any benefits from the publication or suppression of information.
  • To remain firm in the principles of the journalistic profession and never act for the benefit of advertising and propaganda; to refrain from being influenced, either directly or indirectly, by advertisers.
  • To resist all external pressure and take instructions only from the publication’s managing editor.

Any journalist worthy of the name is meticulous in applying the principles stated above. As pertains to the laws applied in other countries, the journalist recognises only the jurisdiction of their colleagues, rejecting all governmental or external interference.

Declaration of Rights

  • The journalist asserts their right to freely access information and investigate all events that shape public life. In such cases, the confidentiality of public or private affairs can only be invoked against the journalist by way of exception and on clearly expressed grounds.
    • The journalist has the right to refuse any influencing factor that is contrary to the general policy of their company, as set out in writing in their employment contract, as well as any influence that is not clearly implied by this general policy.
  • The journalist cannot be obliged to carry out a professional act or express an opinion that is at odds with their convictions or conscience.
  • The editorial team must remain informed of all key decisions that may affect the company. It must be, at the very least, consulted before any final decisions are made concerning matters that effect the editorial team’s makeup: journalist recruitments, dismissals, relocations and promotions.
  • Taking their role and responsibilities into account, the journalist is entitled not only to the benefits of collective agreements, but also to an individual employment contract that guarantees their material and moral safety, as well as pay that is in alignment with their role within society and that ensures their economic independence.

Munich, 1971