News or opinion? How we manage commentary from our journalists
Wednesday, 2 November 2022
Our editorial policy on managing the distinction between opinion and news reporting.
Stuff reporters should not write opinion articles, so as to maintain their impartiality on topics that they may also report on.
We recognise that this separation is important, to avoid the perception that our reporting may be influenced by a journalist’s views on the topic in question.
However, we recognise that there may be occasions where an individual journalist can add valuable perspective to newsworthy debates. Hence, we provide some room for exceptions to the rule.
Those exceptions are judiciously applied and require the agreement of the reporter’s editor or editor-in-chief, working to a set of guiding principles to ensure the decision is made in line with our code or practice and ethics, and to best serve our audience.
Examples of those exceptions, and the reasons behind them, include:
Sport and lifestyle journalists: In both of these topic areas, we recognise there is a long tradition of reporters providing direct comment and opinion on topics they are experienced in; and a recognition from the audience that commentary and opinion-writing are valid parts of the way topics are covered.
Senior, established “column” writers: We employ a small number of journalists whose experience and professional reputations are such that they are recognised and respected for their opinion writing. Typically, they have an established profile for opinion writing, beyond other reporting work they may do for us.
A journalist brings expert or specialist experience to a topic in which their professional comment can add value to the coverage; or they have particular “lived” experience which adds important perspective to a conversation or coverage.
As with all opinion content on Stuff, any opinion articles written by our journalists will be clearly labelled as “opinion”, and the author’s role clearly disclosed on it.
Our journalists may also use their professional expertise in particular topics to write in other formats, such as analysis or a review. These articles will also be clearly labelled.
The labels Stuff uses for such articles are as follows:
OPINION: Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Represents the view of the author(s).
ANALYSIS: Based on factual reporting, although it incorporates the expertise of the author and may offer interpretations and conclusions.
REVIEW: An assessment or critique of a service, product or creative endeavour such as art, literature or a performance.
SATIRE: Uses exaggeration, irony or humour to make a point; not intended to be understood as factual.
READER REPORT: User contributions that are either lightly or not edited or fact-checked. For external (reader) contributions only.
ADVICE: Offers general guidance and insight, drawing on professional experience and expertise, on topics of interest to a broad audience. Reserved for articles by external contributors with demonstrable professional expertise.