Government of Sierra Leone · Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Editorial Policy
The Editorial Policy of the Sierra Leone Daily Mail is guided by national media regulations and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education's mandate to ensure credible, transparent and people-centred journalism.
Our core principles
Accuracy and truthfulness
All content must be factually correct, verified and presented without distortion.
Independence
Editorial decisions are free from undue political, commercial or personal influence, in line with the IMC Code of Practice.
Public interest
Coverage prioritises issues that affect citizens' lives: governance, civic education, development and accountability.
Balance and fairness
Stories reflect multiple perspectives, avoiding bias and ensuring fair representation of all stakeholders.
Transparency
A clear distinction between news, opinion and advertising. Editorials represent the institutional stance; opinion columns are attributed to individual contributors.
Our civic and national role
Promoting civic education. As a government flagship newspaper, the Daily Mail emphasises awareness of laws, policies and citizen rights.
Supporting democracy. We encourage debate, constructive criticism and the dissemination of information that strengthens democratic governance.
Inclusivity. Coverage of marginalised voices, including women, youth and rural communities, consistent with the National Media and Information Policy.
Cultural and ethical standards. Respect for Sierra Leone's cultural diversity, religious tolerance and national unity.
Regulatory alignment
IMC Code of Practice. The overarching rules for ethical journalism: fairness, privacy and accountability.
National Media and Information Policy (2025). Positions the Daily Mail as a tool for transparency, access to information and media sustainability.
Editorial oversight. The Directorate of Government Information Services supervises editorial standards, ensuring compliance with national laws and professional codes.
Practical guidelines
1
Editorial Board
Reviews and approves major stories, features and opinion pieces.
2
Fact-checking protocols
Mandatory verification of sources before publication.
3
Audience engagement
Letters to the editor and feedback channels are encouraged to strengthen accountability. Write to us →
4
Digital transformation
Policies extend to online publishing, emphasising cybersecurity, responsible use of social media and multimedia standards.
In summary, the Daily Mail's editorial policy is built on accuracy, independence, public interest, inclusivity and transparency, firmly anchored in Sierra Leone's IMC Code of Practice and the National Media and Information Policy. It serves both as a government mouthpiece and a civic education platform, balancing state communication with journalistic integrity.