Partnership Policy

The following partnership policy explains how Issue Media Group and our publications protect our journalistic integrity and the trust of our readers while working with advertisers and sponsors. Issue Media Group is committed to community-focused independent journalism. Funds from advertising and sponsored content allow Issue Media Group to cover operating costs, expand coverage and more.

Policy

All partnership policies are independent of editorial decisions. Issue Media Group does not endorse any product or service marked as an advertisement or promoted by a sponsor in any Issue Media Group publication. Editorial content is not compromised by commercial or financial interests, or by any specific arrangements with advertising clients or sponsors. Advertisements may not be deceptive or misleading and must be verifiable. Advertisements should clearly identify the advertiser and product or service being offered. 

Scope

This policy covers all functions within Issue Media Group, including print publications, websites, social media accounts, email newsletters, and any affiliates that involve advertising opportunities.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of Issue Media Group to ensure compliance with this policy.

Procedure

Issue Media Group has the right to decline any advertisement that, in its sole discretion, is incompatible with its mission or inconsistent with the values of Issue Media Group, the publication/website or the organization, and to stop accepting advertising previously accepted. Ads are subject to review by the editor and others at Issue Media Group. Issue Media Group has no conflict of interest in what, when, or how we publish content, regardless of sponsorship status. In no case shall separate agreements with Issue Media Group or its affiliates supersede this policy.

• All native/content advertisements/sponsorships are labeled with “Sponsored” text at the top of the article, page, or section along with the name of the sponsoring entity. An example of this would be, “This article was made possible thanks to financial support from [SPONSOR NAME].”
• Ads that contain a URL or domain in the body must link to that same URL or domain.
• Ads must send users to the same landing page when the ad is clicked.
• Landing pages cannot use “fake” close behavior or any of the spam behavior which is recognized as malware.
• Ads must directly relate to the content on the landing page.
• Ads must clearly represent the company, product, or service that is being advertised.

Prohibited Actions

Advertising for the following categories is prohibited:

• Ads must not be false, misleading, fraudulent, or deceptive, including: unsubstantiated claims, etc.
• Ads cannot insult, harass, or threaten a user/users.
• Ads cannot contain, facilitate, promote or reference discrimination against any individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.

By avoiding these types of sponsors, we can ensure that our values and mission are aligned with those of our sponsors and that we are not inadvertently supporting organizations that engage in harmful practices.

Violations

Violations of this policy may result in consequences, including but not limited to the removal of the ad, suspension of advertising privileges, or termination of the advertiser’s contract.

Reservation of Rights

Issue Media Group reserves the right to modify or terminate this Policy. Any modifications or terminations will be communicated to the relevant parties in a timely manner.

COMPLAINTS POLICY

To file a complaint about advertising/sponsorship, please send an email to our Marketing and Business Development Director at hayley@issuemediagroup.com with a detailed description of the issue.

PARTNERSHIP CLAUSE

Issue Media Group retains editorial control of our content. Funding partners do not have input into stories that will be produced, are not aware of specific stories we are working on, do not review them before publication, and do not have special access to reporters with the exception of sponsored content that will be clearly marked. Sponsored content can be produced by an advertiser, but will undergo editing by the Issue Media Group to ensure quality and voice are aligned. We will always disclose who our funding partners are. Partners must review our full sponsorship policy and sign a sponsorship agreement before entering into a partnership with Issue Media Group.