Our journalism principles

Our journalism aims to go beyond the mainstream media approach by offering:

• Local voices present in a dignified and humanising manner
• Diverse perspectives that resist easy, traditional narratives
• Deeper context, including historical and social contexts as well as root causes
• A forward-looking solutions orientation
• A commitment to accountability, by consistently exposing those responsible for human suffering

Our network

Through a network of more than 200 local and international contributors, a core staff of experienced editors, and an intimate knowledge of the humanitarian sector, The New Humanitarian provides unique multimedia coverage from more than 60 countries.

A transformative approach

The current journalistic model is failing, prompting a demand for more inclusive, nuanced reporting and equitable access to information. Media outlets are financially strained, and reliance on advertisers and exploitative practices are widespread. We think there is a better way.

We want to build something different. We will continue to produce journalism that can compete with the world's most respected publications, but we will chart our own path in defining what a progressive transformative newsroom means to us. Our strategy sees us creating that transformation in the following ways:

• Challenging the power structures within journalism, especially how stories are told and who sets the narrative;
• Intentionally pursuing impact as central to the production of our journalism;
• Bolstering our ability to pursue the most challenging stories;
• Developing a viable model of mission-driven journalism on an international stage;
• Building a progressive newsroom culture.

Read more about our five-year strategy

Our humanitarian imperative

In our journalism, the humanitarian imperative comes first. We strive to respect the following rules:

In the pursuit of truth, we focus on:

• Independence: Our reporting will always remain in the public interest, and will not be influenced by donors, advertisers, governments, multilateral organisations or any other special interest. We will report on aid priorities based on need, and will not be driven by any political, religious, security or corporate advocacy agenda.
• Courage: We will ask tough questions, push the limits and will not be afraid to challenge dominant narratives or powers.
• Trustworthiness: Our work will be meticulously researched, our analysis insightful, and our foresight of future trends reliable. We welcome our readers holding us to account for our accuracy.

In our work, we choose:

• Constructiveness: We will go beyond predictable narratives and received wisdom with a view to generating constructive conversations and greater understanding.
• Humanity: We will help people understand and relate to one another, recognising the common humanity between people.

In the voices we amplify, we seek out:

• Authenticity: We will seek out the views of those most affected by crises, who have agency and can speak for themselves.
• Diversity: We will ensure that all voices are heard equally – women and girls as loudly as men and boys, established humanitarian players as often as local and independent initiatives.