Journalist, Contributor, Guest Writer & Press Release Submission Guidelines

1. Introduction

VALCORED News Network recognises that credible journalism benefits from informed contributors, specialist knowledge, original reporting and access to diverse perspectives.

Journalists, independent writers, researchers, organisations and members of the public may possess information that contributes meaningfully to public understanding.

Our Contributor, Guest Writer & Press Release Submission Guidelines establish the standards governing external editorial submissions and proposed collaborations with VNN.

We welcome relevant enquiries while maintaining the responsibility to evaluate content independently, verify material factual claims and protect the integrity of our publication.

Our guiding principle is:

Every contribution should add genuine value, respect the facts and meet the standards expected of responsible journalism.

2. Purpose

These Guidelines establish requirements concerning:

• Freelance journalism.
• Guest writing.
• Opinion contributions.
• Specialist analysis.
• Investigative submissions.
• Press releases.
• Corporate announcements.
• Community news.
• Research summaries.
• Contributor verification.
• Originality and plagiarism.
• Artificial intelligence.
• Source attribution.
• Copyright and licensing.
• Conflicts of interest.
• Editorial review.
• Corrections.
• Payment and publication arrangements.

3. Scope

These Guidelines apply to external individuals and organisations submitting content for editorial consideration.

They may include:

• Independent journalists.
• Freelance writers.
• Academics.
• Researchers.
• Industry specialists.
• Subject-matter experts.
• Photographers.
• Multimedia producers.
• Community representatives.
• Businesses.
• Government agencies.
• Public institutions.
• Charitable organisations.
• Public relations representatives.
• Other legitimate information providers.

Different requirements may apply depending on whether the submission is original journalism, opinion, sponsored content or a press release.

4. Editorial Independence

VNN retains responsibility for deciding what content is suitable for publication.

Submission does not guarantee acceptance.

VNN may decline material because of:

• Insufficient verification.
• Limited newsworthiness.
• Inadequate originality.
• Legal concerns.
• Poor source attribution.
• Undisclosed commercial interests.
• Significant factual uncertainty.
• Inappropriate or misleading presentation.
• Copyright restrictions.
• Editorial capacity.
• Inconsistency with VNN’s standards.

Publication decisions should be based on legitimate editorial considerations.

5. Types of Contributions

VNN may consider the following forms of content.

5.1 Original News Reporting

Fact-based reporting involving original information gathering, interviews, documentary research or other legitimate journalistic activity.

5.2 Investigative Journalism

Evidence-based reporting that examines matters of significant public interest through substantial original investigation.

5.3 Opinion Articles

Clearly identified viewpoints concerning matters of public significance.

5.4 Expert Analysis

Evidence-based interpretation by contributors with relevant knowledge or experience.

5.5 Explanatory Articles

Content intended to help readers understand complex developments.

5.6 Community Reporting

Stories concerning relevant community events, issues or initiatives.

5.7 Research-Based Contributions

Articles explaining credible academic, scientific, technical or other research.

5.8 Photography and Multimedia

Original photographs, video or other media offered under suitable permission or licensing arrangements.

5.9 Press Releases

Official announcements supplied by organisations for editorial consideration.

5.10 Sponsored Content

Commercially commissioned content handled under separate advertising and sponsorship arrangements.

6. Contributor Eligibility

VNN may consider contributions from individuals with relevant knowledge, evidence or legitimate reporting experience.

A specific academic qualification is not automatically required for every type of contribution.

However, claimed credentials must be accurate.

Contributors must not fabricate:

• Academic qualifications.
• Employment history.
• Professional licences.
• Reporting experience.
• Institutional affiliations.
• Awards.
• Publication history.
• Investigative credentials.

VNN may request reasonable verification of relevant professional information.

7. Author Identity and Transparency

Contributors should ordinarily identify themselves accurately to VNN.

Information may include:

• Full name.
• Professional byline.
• Relevant role.
• Professional biography.
• Areas of expertise.
• Contact information.
• Material affiliations.
• Relevant conflicts of interest.

Pseudonyms may be considered where legitimate privacy or safety concerns exist.

VNN must not create fictitious journalists or misleading biographies to give a contribution apparent credibility.

8. Originality Requirements

Submitted articles should represent original work or material the contributor is lawfully authorised to provide.

Contributors must not submit another publisher’s article as their own.

Examples of unacceptable practices include:

• Copying substantial protected text without permission or a lawful exception.
• Presenting rewritten third-party reporting as original investigation.
• Fabricating interviews.
• Inventing sources.
• Submitting plagiarised research.
• Removing original attribution.
• Using another author’s work without appropriate permission.
• Misrepresenting syndicated content as exclusive reporting.

Originality includes honesty about the actual reporting undertaken.

9. Rewriting and Third-Party Reporting

Contributors may discuss factual developments previously reported by other publishers.

However, they must respect copyright and source attribution.

A contributor must not assume that replacing words with synonyms removes copyright risks.

Where another publication’s reporting materially informs an article, suitable attribution should be provided.

If the contributor has not independently conducted an interview or obtained a document, the article must not imply otherwise.

Facts may be independently verified through appropriate sources, but protected original expression remains subject to copyright law.

10. Fact-Checking and Verification

Material factual assertions must be supported by appropriate evidence.

Contributors should verify:

1. Names.
2. Dates.
3. Locations.
4. Numerical figures.
5. Quotations.
6. Legal claims.
7. Scientific assertions.
8. Institutional statements.
9. Significant allegations.
10. Material background information.

Contributors should provide relevant sources or supporting documentation when requested.

VNN may require additional verification before publication.

A confidently written statement is not necessarily a verified statement.

11. Source Attribution

Contributors must identify the origin of relevant factual information.

Appropriate sources may include:

• Official records.
• Direct interviews.
• Published research.
• Court decisions.
• Government announcements.
• Verified eyewitness material.
• Authorised news agency reporting.
• Credible external publications.
• Original supporting documents.

External material must not be falsely attributed to VNN.

Where a story relies substantially on an original report published elsewhere, that relationship should be acknowledged.

12. Direct Quotations

Quotations must accurately represent what the relevant person said or wrote.

Contributors must not invent quotations or materially alter their meaning.

Where a quotation has been translated, reasonable steps should be taken to preserve its original meaning.

Paraphrases must not be presented as verbatim statements.

A quotation obtained from another publisher must not be described as originating from an interview conducted by VNN.

13. Serious Allegations and Right of Reply

Articles involving serious allegations against identifiable individuals or organisations require heightened care.

Contributors should provide adequate supporting evidence.

Where fairness requires it, reasonable efforts should be made to seek relevant responses.

The contributor should explain whether the affected party was contacted and whether a response was received.

VNN may require additional investigation, legal review or amendments.

Attributing an allegation to another person does not automatically eliminate defamation risk.

14. Legal Compliance

Contributors are expected to respect applicable law.

Relevant considerations may include:

• Defamation.
• Copyright.
• Privacy.
• Confidentiality.
• Court suppression orders.
• Contempt of court.
• Protected identities.
• Electoral laws.
• Advertising regulation.
• Other relevant legal requirements.

VNN may decline content that creates unacceptable legal risk.

Contributors must not intentionally conceal known restrictions or material legal concerns.

15. Artificial Intelligence in Submissions

VNN recognises that contributors may use AI tools for appropriate assistance.

Potential uses include:

• Grammar improvement.
• Article outlining.
• Research organisation.
• Transcription support.
• Translation assistance.
• Draft editing.

However, AI-generated output must not be treated as independently verified evidence.

Contributors remain responsible for checking material factual claims.

The following are prohibited:

• Fabricated AI-generated interviews presented as authentic.
• Invented quotations.
• Non-existent sources.
• Fabricated references.
• False eyewitness accounts.
• Synthetic evidence presented as genuine.
• AI-generated biographies of fictional journalists.
• Deliberately misleading AI-generated photographs.

Contributors must disclose material AI involvement when required by VNN or where necessary to avoid misleading readers.

16. AI Disclosure to VNN

Where AI tools materially contribute to a submitted work, the contributor should inform the appropriate editor.

Relevant information may include:

• The tools used.
• The nature of AI assistance.
• Whether factual text was generated.
• Whether images or audio were synthesised.
• Whether original source material was transformed.
• What verification the contributor performed.

The disclosure need not include every minor spelling or formatting correction.

However, substantial AI involvement must not be concealed where it affects editorial assessment.

VNN will determine whether an appropriate public disclosure is also required.

17. Opinion Contributions

Opinion articles should offer a clear and reasoned viewpoint.

Submissions should:

• Identify the central argument.
• Present relevant supporting evidence.
• Distinguish fact from interpretation.
• Avoid deliberate factual distortion.
• Disclose material interests.
• Use respectful language.
• Acknowledge relevant uncertainty where necessary.

A contributor may advocate a position, but must not fabricate evidence to support that position.

Publication does not automatically mean VNN endorses the author’s conclusions.

18. Expert Commentary

Specialist contributors should accurately represent their qualifications and expertise.

Professional titles must not be exaggerated.

Where a contributor discusses matters outside their established expertise, the limitation should be considered.

Contributors should disclose relevant institutional, financial or research interests.

Complex medical, legal, scientific or financial claims may require additional supporting evidence.

19. Conflicts of Interest

Contributors must disclose material relationships that may affect their independence or credibility.

Examples include:

• Financial interests in the subject.
• Paid consultancy.
• Employment relationships.
• Political campaign involvement.
• Commercial sponsorship.
• Family or close personal relationships.
• Ownership interests.
• Relevant professional disputes.
• Payments connected with publication.

VNN may require public disclosure, additional review or reassignment.

Disclosure does not automatically make misleading content acceptable.

20. Sponsored and Commercial Submissions

Commercial content must not be disguised as independent reporting.

Organisations seeking paid promotional publication should use VNN’s advertising contact channel.

Sponsored submissions may be subject to separate fees, agreements and compliance requirements.

Commercial material should be appropriately labelled.

Payment does not guarantee acceptance of unsupported claims.

21. Press Release Submissions

VNN may consider legitimate press releases concerning matters of public interest.

Press releases may be submitted by:

• Businesses.
• Government agencies.
• Public institutions.
• Charitable organisations.
• Professional associations.
• Community organisations.
• Authorised media representatives.
• Other relevant organisations.

Submitting a press release does not require VNN to publish it.

VNN may independently verify, summarise, contextualise or decline the information.

22. Press Release Content Requirements

A professional press release should ordinarily contain:

1. An accurate headline.
2. The issuing organisation’s name.
3. The date of announcement.
4. A concise summary.
5. Relevant factual background.
6. Quotations from identifiable authorised representatives.
7. Supporting documents where necessary.
8. Contact details for verification.
9. Relevant website links.
10. Appropriate media credits and usage permissions.
11. Any material commercial interests.
12. Any proposed embargo terms.

Significant claims should be supported by evidence where reasonably available.

23. Press Release Submission Format

Submissions may follow the structure below.

PRESS RELEASE

Organisation: [NAME]

Date: [DATE]

Headline: [ACCURATE ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE]

Location: [RELEVANT LOCATION]

Summary: [BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT]

Details: [FACTUAL INFORMATION AND CONTEXT]

Authorised Spokesperson: [NAME AND ROLE]

Supporting Sources: [DOCUMENTS OR LINKS]

Media Assets: [AVAILABLE IMAGES OR VIDEO]

Usage Rights: [LICENSING OR PERMISSION DETAILS]

Media Contact: [NAME, EMAIL AND TELEPHONE]

Embargo, If Applicable: [DATE, TIME AND TIME ZONE]

The presence of an embargo in a submission does not automatically mean VNN has accepted it.

24. Editorial Treatment of Press Releases

VNN may:

• Publish an appropriately identified announcement.
• Independently report on the development.
• Seek further verification.
• Contact additional sources.
• Request clarification.
• Rewrite the information into a properly attributed report.
• Add relevant context.
• Decline the release.

VNN should not imply independent investigative reporting where the publication is substantially based on a supplied press release.

Editorial decisions remain independent.

25. Embargoed Information

An embargo is a request not to publish particular information before a stated date or time.

Contributors should clearly identify proposed embargo conditions before information is shared under that arrangement.

An embargo is not automatically binding merely because it appears in an unsolicited email.

VNN should explicitly agree to an embargo before assuming responsibility for the proposed restriction.

Agreed embargoes should be managed responsibly, subject to applicable law and relevant public-interest considerations.

26. Confidential Information and News Tips

Confidential submissions require particular care.

Sources should not assume that ordinary email or website contact forms provide anonymity.

Material involving highly sensitive information may require additional security and legal consideration.

Our Confidential Sources, Whistleblowers & News Tips Policy provides further information.

Submission of a document does not guarantee confidentiality, legal protection or publication.

27. Photography and Multimedia Submissions

Contributors may offer original photographs, illustrations, video or audio.

Before publication, VNN may require:

• Confirmation of the creator.
• Relevant copyright information.
• Usage permissions.
• Date and location.
• Accurate captions.
• Disclosure of material edits.
• Relevant consent information.
• Identification of synthetic elements.
• Confirmation of third-party rights.

A photograph obtained from the internet must not be submitted as the contributor’s original work unless that description is accurate.

28. Image Manipulation and Synthetic Media

Contributors must disclose material visual alterations.

A transformed image must not be presented as documentary evidence of a real event if the transformation changes its factual meaning.

Relevant alterations may include:

• Adding or removing people.
• Changing backgrounds.
• Altering clothing.
• Modifying facial features.
• Creating composite scenes.
• Generating fictional events.
• Producing synthetic video or audio.

VNN may require appropriate public labelling or decline the material.

29. Copyright Ownership

Contributors ordinarily retain their existing intellectual property rights unless a valid agreement or applicable law provides otherwise.

Copyright arrangements for employees, freelancers and commissioned creators may differ.

VNN does not assume ownership of an unsolicited article merely because the contributor has sent it for consideration.

A submission should not be treated as an unrestricted transfer of rights.

Relevant publication rights should be established through an appropriate agreement where necessary.

30. Publication Licensing

Before accepting material for publication, VNN and the contributor may need to agree on the rights being granted.

Relevant matters include:

• The material covered.
• Permitted publication channels.
• Duration.
• Territory.
• Exclusivity.
• Editing permissions.
• Translation.
• Archival availability.
• Promotion.
• Syndication.
• Attribution.
• Compensation.
• Termination conditions.

Rights should be granted only by a person authorised to do so.

VNN must not claim licensing rights broader than those it actually holds.

31. Previously Published Material

Contributors who submit previously published work must disclose that publication.

They should identify:

• The original publisher.
• Original publication date.
• Whether exclusive rights were granted.
• Whether republication is permitted.
• Applicable attribution requirements.
• Any relevant licensing restrictions.

VNN may decline submissions where the rights position is unclear.

32. Simultaneous Submissions

Contributors should disclose when the same work has been submitted to other publishers if that fact may affect exclusivity or commissioning arrangements.

An unsolicited pitch does not automatically create an exclusive commitment.

Exclusivity should be agreed explicitly where required.

VNN should not claim exclusive rights merely because it received a proposal before another publisher.

33. Editorial Review

Submitted material may undergo editorial assessment.

Relevant considerations include:

1. Newsworthiness.
2. Accuracy.
3. Originality.
4. Evidence.
5. Clarity.
6. Fairness.
7. Attribution.
8. Legal risk.
9. Editorial relevance.
10. Conflicts of interest.
11. Copyright and licensing.
12. Compliance with VNN policies.

Further information or revisions may be requested.

VNN is not obliged to publish every submission that meets basic formatting requirements.

34. Editorial Editing Rights

Where a contribution is accepted under suitable publication terms, VNN may make appropriate editorial changes within the agreed scope.

These may include:

• Correcting spelling and grammar.
• Improving clarity.
• Adjusting formatting.
• Reorganising sections.
• Requesting additional attribution.
• Adding verified context.
• Modifying headlines.
• Correcting factual inconsistencies.
• Applying publication standards.

Material changes should not falsely attribute opinions or statements to the contributor.

Where relevant, significant substantive alterations should be discussed with the author.

35. Search Engine Optimisation and Editorial Integrity

VNN may apply appropriate search engine optimisation practices to improve the discoverability of its journalism.

However, SEO must not compromise factual integrity.

Contributors should avoid:

• Misleading clickbait.
• Keyword stuffing.
• Fabricated urgency.
• Unsupported sensationalism.
• Misleading article titles.
• False claims of exclusivity.
• Manipulated publication dates.
• Repetitive content created solely for search rankings.
• Artificially inflated expertise claims.
• Mass-produced low-value rewrites of third-party reporting.

SEO should help audiences discover reliable information, not conceal the absence of original value.

36. Article Structure and Presentation

Where suitable, articles should include:

• An accurate headline.
• A clear introduction.
• Relevant factual background.
• Appropriate source attribution.
• Logical sections.
• Necessary quotations.
• Context explaining significance.
• Relevant responses.
• A clear distinction between facts and interpretation.
• Appropriate multimedia credits.

Formatting requirements may vary according to content category.

Breaking-news reports, explanatory articles and opinion contributions may require different structures.

37. Headlines and Subheadings

Headlines should accurately represent the article.

Contributors must avoid implying guilt, certainty or an official finding not supported by evidence.

Subheadings should help readers navigate the content.

Sensational presentation must not replace reliable reporting.

38. Contributor Compensation

Payment arrangements, if any, should be established before commissioned work begins.

Relevant terms may include:

• Agreed fee.
• Scope of work.
• Delivery requirements.
• Revision expectations.
• Payment conditions.
• Intellectual property rights.
• Expenses.
• Cancellation.
• Applicable taxes.

These details are being confirmed and will be published here once verified.

Submitting unsolicited material does not automatically create an entitlement to payment.

Likewise, VNN should not use commissioned work beyond agreed rights or refuse payment contrary to a valid agreement.

39. Publication Timelines

Editorial review times may vary according to:

• Submission volume.
• Newsworthiness.
• Complexity.
• Verification requirements.
• Legal risk.
• Editorial priorities.
• Available resources.

VNN does not guarantee acceptance or publication within a fixed period unless an arrangement has been expressly agreed.

Urgent news tips may receive priority where appropriate.

40. Corrections and Contributor Responsibilities

Contributors are expected to cooperate with reasonable editorial correction requests.

If a contributor becomes aware of a material error after submission or publication, they should promptly inform VNN.

Depending on the circumstances, VNN may publish a correction, clarification, update or retraction.

Deliberate fabrication or concealment of errors may affect future publication arrangements.

41. Post-Publication Developments

A published story may require updates when relevant new evidence becomes available.

Contributors should not assume that they retain unilateral control over every subsequent update unless the applicable agreement provides otherwise.

Where a significant revision affects an attributed author’s meaning or reputation, appropriate communication should be considered.

VNN remains responsible for its publication decisions.

42. Contributor Conduct

Contributors should behave professionally when gathering information or representing an association with VNN.

They must not falsely claim:

• Employment with VNN.
• Formal accreditation.
• Authority to make binding business commitments.
• Exclusive access to confidential information.
• Permission to enter restricted locations.
• Authority to represent VNN in legal proceedings.
• A professional qualification they do not hold.

An accepted contribution does not automatically create an employment relationship.

43. Confidentiality and Editorial Materials

Contributors may receive unpublished material or sensitive information during legitimate assignments.

Confidential material should be handled according to applicable agreements and law.

Relevant information should not be improperly disclosed or used for unrelated commercial advantage.

Confidentiality restrictions must not be misrepresented as preventing lawful disclosures protected by applicable legislation.

44. Contributor Safety

Journalistic work may involve personal, digital or legal risks.

Contributors should not engage in unlawful or unnecessarily dangerous activities to obtain material.

High-risk assignments should be assessed appropriately.

VNN does not authorise a freelance contributor to undertake hazardous reporting merely because a proposal has been submitted.

Where a formal assignment is commissioned, relevant safety responsibilities should be established.

45. Withdrawal of a Submission

A contributor may request withdrawal of material submitted for consideration.

The outcome will depend on whether a publication agreement has been formed, the rights granted and other relevant circumstances.

Before acceptance, a contributor should ordinarily be able to withdraw an unsolicited proposal, subject to any valid obligations already established.

After publication, withdrawal requests may require consideration of contractual rights, editorial history, legal obligations and the public interest.

46. Complaints About Contributor Material

Readers may raise concerns about externally contributed reporting.

Such complaints may involve:

• Factual inaccuracies.
• Source attribution.
• Conflicts of interest.
• Copyright.
• Privacy.
• Misleading credentials.
• Artificial intelligence.
• Defamation.
• Other editorial issues.

VNN should assess relevant complaints under its published editorial procedures.

Contributor status does not eliminate the publisher’s responsibilities.

47. Breaches of Submission Standards

Where a contributor materially breaches these Guidelines, VNN may take appropriate action.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Rejecting the submission.
• Requesting further evidence.
• Requiring revision.
• Suspending publication.
• Publishing a correction.
• Withdrawing affected material.
• Reviewing the contributor relationship.
• Terminating an agreement according to its terms.
• Seeking legal advice where necessary.

Actions should reflect the seriousness of the conduct and applicable rights.

48. Contributor Enquiries

Prospective journalists, writers and specialists may contact:

Contributor Enquiries

A useful initial pitch should include:

1. Contributor name.
2. Relevant professional background.
3. Proposed article title.
4. Brief story summary.
5. Why the topic is newsworthy.
6. Available evidence or sources.
7. Whether original reporting has been undertaken.
8. Relevant conflicts of interest.
9. Publication history, where relevant.
10. Contact information.

Please avoid sending highly sensitive personal records through ordinary email without considering the risks.

49. Press Release Contact

Organisations may submit official announcements for editorial consideration.

Press Releases

Submissions should identify the issuing organisation and an authorised representative.

Media assets should include appropriate rights information.

Publication remains subject to editorial review and available resources.

50. Commercial Content Enquiries

Businesses seeking sponsored articles, promotional features or paid partnerships should contact the commercial team rather than represent promotional material as independent editorial reporting.

Advertising & Partnerships

Separate commercial terms may apply.

Advertising payment does not purchase undisclosed influence over independent newsroom reporting.

51. Relevant Editorial Policies

Contributors are expected to comply with relevant VNN policies, including:

• Editorial Standards & Code of Ethics.
• Fact-Checking, Verification & Source Attribution Policy.
• Corrections, Clarifications, Retractions & Right of Reply Policy.
• Editorial Independence & Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Artificial Intelligence & Synthetic Media Policy.
• Sensitive Reporting, Privacy & Public Interest Policy.
• Copyright, Intellectual Property & Republishing Policy.
• Image, Photography, Video & Media Credits Policy.
• Breaking News, Live Reporting & Developing Stories Policy.

Additional written terms may apply to particular commissions or commercial relationships.

52. Changes to These Guidelines

VNN may revise its contributor and submission procedures to reflect editorial needs, changes in technology or applicable law.

Where material changes affect an existing binding agreement, the relevant contractual and legal requirements should be observed.

Publication of updated Guidelines does not automatically override previously agreed rights.

53. Our Commitment to Contributors and Readers

VNN recognises that credible journalism depends on the contributions of people who investigate, research, question, observe and explain.

We aim to create an editorial environment that values original work, respects legitimate creator rights and assesses submissions according to evidence and public-interest relevance.

We welcome voices capable of contributing meaningfully to public understanding.

At the same time, we maintain the responsibility to scrutinise claims, identify commercial interests and protect the reliability of our reporting.

The value of a contribution is measured not simply by the strength of its headline, but by the integrity of the evidence and the understanding it brings to readers.