The Economist

 Economist news priorities are reflected in the sections in the paper every week: these are both geographical (Britain, Europe, the United States, the Americas, China, Asia, Middle East and Africa, International) and thematic (business, finance and economics, science and technology, books and arts). In addition, through leaders, briefings and special reports the Economist strives to identify ideas and trends that will shape global developments.

The Economist strives for the highest ethical standards.

Its policy list its core principals as honesty, fairness and fearlessness in newsgathering and interpreting information. The Economist strives to be an independent voice and accountable to its readers, listeners, viewers and its own staff.

Conflicts of interest: The editor-in-chief sets clear rules on conflicts of interest. Journalists know that the penalty for non-observance of the rules can be dismissal. Economist journalists should disclose any possible conflicts of interest, such as beneficial holdings, directorships and freelance engagements. The editor-in-chief keeps a registry of journalists’ interests, and updates it annually.

The Economist has been editorially independent since it was founded in September 1843. Ordinary shares are principally held by employees, past employees, founding members of the company and, more recently, by Exor NV, a holding company controlled by the Italian Agnelli family. Exor holds 43.4% of the total share capital of the company excluding shares held by trustees. Individual shareholders include the Cadbury, Rothschild, Schroder and other family interests.

The Economist states that a breath of perspectives and experiences leads to richer debate. Echo chambers of the like-minded do not. 

The Economist aims to acknowledge serious factual errors and correct such mistakes quickly, clearly and appropriately. Online, published corrections should note what was wrong, what was put right and when. In print, a correction may appear in the same section in a future issue of the newspaper. Readers who wish to bring potential errors to editors' attention are encouraged to email them.

The Economist leadership says the newspaper uses unnamed sources and conversations on background because they can be more informative. The paper may withhold the name of a source who talks on the record if that individual might be put in danger or legal jeopardy if their name is revealed or if journalists deem it otherwise unnecessary to name them. Journalists strive to describe unnamed sources with as much detail as they think readers need to assess their credibility.