Our commitment

THE Brisbane Channel provides independent reporting and analysis about Greater Brisbane and the decisions that affect people who live here. Our aim is to help audiences understand what is happening, what the available evidence shows, and what remains uncertain.

These standards apply to editorial content published under THE Brisbane Channel name on our website, in videos, podcasts, newsletters and social media, including content available to paying members. They apply to the editor and to anyone producing editorial content for us.

Adam Young is the publisher and editor and is responsible for applying these standards and handling editorial complaints.

Accuracy and evidence

We take reasonable steps to verify factual claims before publication, using reliable sources and original documents where available. We provide attribution and supporting links where practical so audiences can examine the basis of our reporting.

We distinguish confirmed information from allegations, estimates, forecasts and uncertainty. Headlines, thumbnails, captions and edited extracts must fairly represent the underlying story.

We assess statements from governments, opposition parties, businesses, advocates and other sources according to their evidence. A media release is a source to assess, rather than proof of its claims.

Fairness and editorial judgment

We seek relevant perspectives and give people or organisations facing significant allegations or criticism a reasonable opportunity to respond. We explain the substance of the issues and set deadlines appropriate to their complexity and the publication schedule.

We represent responses fairly and make clear when a response was requested but not received by publication. We assess substantial later responses for an update or follow-up.

Balance means giving perspectives appropriate weight in light of the evidence and their relevance. It does not require equal space for every position. Our selection of stories reflects public significance, local relevance and available reporting capacity. The same standards apply to everyone we cover.

Reporting, analysis and opinion

We make clear when content is reporting facts, interpreting evidence or expressing an opinion. Personal opinions are identified through wording, presentation or labelling.

Analysis and opinion remain subject to these standards. They must have an accurate factual basis and fairly represent the information they discuss.

Editorial independence and commercial relationships

Editorial decisions remain with the editor. Sponsors, advertisers, donors and paying members do not acquire the right to select, approve, suppress or alter independent news coverage.

Advertising and paid promotional segments are clearly identified. We disclose relevant financial interests, referral arrangements, gifts, hospitality or other relationships that could reasonably affect an audience’s assessment of our coverage.

Payment does not secure favourable news coverage. Any opportunity to check information before publication is for factual verification and does not confer editorial approval.

Sources and production

We identify ourselves and the purpose of an interview when approaching people for published reporting. We gather material honestly, credit others’ work and obtain permissions where required.

Before agreeing to protect a source’s identity, we consider their reasons and whether the information can be corroborated. We honour agreed confidentiality and take care to protect identifying information.

Editing of interviews, images and sound must preserve meaning and context. We identify reconstructions, illustrative material or synthetic media where audiences could otherwise mistake them for a record of actual events. The editor remains responsible for accuracy when using automated or AI-assisted tools.

Privacy, dignity and harm

We weigh intrusions into privacy against a clear public interest. We take particular care with children, survivors of violence, people experiencing distress and others who may be vulnerable.

We avoid publishing unnecessary identifying details or material that creates avoidable risks to safety. We treat people respectfully and avoid irrelevant emphasis on personal characteristics. Challenging reporting may cause discomfort, but we consider whether harm is necessary and proportionate to the public interest.

Corrections and updates

When we establish that published information is materially wrong or misleading, we correct it promptly and explain the change. Corrections are placed where people accessing the original content are likely to encounter them.

For website articles, this normally means a dated correction note. For videos or podcasts that cannot readily be amended, we use an appropriate combination of a prominent description note, pinned comment, website correction or follow-up. We amend or withdraw the original where leaving it available would perpetuate serious harm or misinformation.

New developments are identified as updates. Minor spelling or formatting fixes may be made without a correction notice. Corrections are publicly accessible without a paid membership.

Complaints and concerns

Anyone may make an editorial complaint, free of charge, whether or not they are directly affected, a subscriber or a member.

Email adam@thebrissiechannel.com with the subject “Editorial complaint”. Please identify the content, include a link and any relevant timestamp, explain your concern, and provide supporting information where available. You may suggest a remedy. You do not need to identify a particular policy clause.

Please raise concerns promptly so they can be assessed while the relevant material is available. There is no fixed deadline for making a complaint. Identify urgent safety or privacy concerns clearly.

We aim to acknowledge complaints within five business days and provide a substantive response within twenty business days of receipt. If more time or information is needed, we explain why and give an expected response date. Urgent concerns are assessed as soon as practical.

The editor reviews the content, the available evidence and the relevant standards. Our response explains the assessment and any action taken, which may include a correction, clarification, reply, apology, amendment or withdrawal. If we find no breach, we explain our reasoning.

If you remain dissatisfied, you may request a further review, explaining what you believe was overlooked or providing additional evidence. We aim to respond within twenty business days, with an explanation if more time is needed. THE Brisbane Channel is a one-person outlet, so this is an internal review by the editor.

We use complaint information to assess and respond to the matter and share it only as reasonably needed for that purpose. We seek permission before publishing a complainant’s identity or correspondence, except where disclosure is legally required.

We address the substance of complaints. We may limit repetitive correspondence after explaining an outcome, or set boundaries around abusive or threatening communications. Disagreement or criticism alone is not a reason to reject a complaint.

Keeping these standards current

We review this policy periodically and when experience identifies a need for improvement. Substantive changes are dated and published on this page.

Effective date: 9 October 2026