Ethics Policy and Editorial Principles

1. Introduction

Blue Field Media LLC is the parent company of Zona Militar, Escenario Mundial, Espacio Tech, and El Estratégico. Our commitment is to provide accurate, independent, and high-quality information regarding defense, international security, technology, and strategic affairs.

This Ethics and Editorial Policy serves as a compact with our audience: it guides the daily operations of our newsrooms, establishes clear rules for content production and publication, and defines the standards we uphold to maintain public trust. Our guidelines are inspired by the codes of ethics and style manuals of the world’s leading media outlets, adapted to our specific subject matter and editorial landscape.

2. Editorial Mission and Public Responsibility

Our goal is to provide verifiable, contextualized, and technically sound information that fosters a deeper understanding of military, technological, political, and strategic phenomena.

We recognize that our content can influence public debate and the decision-making processes of state, private, and social actors. Therefore, we assume a heightened responsibility when covering sensitive topics such as military operations, defense procurement, border security, organized crime, cybersecurity, technological innovation, and armed conflict.

3. Core Principles

a) Truthfulness and Accuracy We only publish information that has been cross-referenced with reliable and, whenever possible, independent sources. We strive to provide comprehensive data and sufficient context while avoiding misleading or sensationalist framing.

b) Independence and Impartiality We operate independently of governments, armed forces, corporations, political parties, civil organizations, and advertisers. We do not accept pressure or conditions to modify, delay, or suppress information that is relevant to the public interest.

c) Integrity and Conflict of Interest Editorial staff are strictly prohibited from accepting benefits, gifts, or advantages that could compromise their independence or create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Any relevant relationship with sources, institutions, or companies related to coverage must be disclosed; if necessary, the journalist will be recused from that specific topic.

d) Accountability and Transparency We take full ownership of our content. We promptly correct errors, explain significant changes, and provide contact channels for the audience to report inaccuracies, omissions, or misconduct.

4. Editorial Criteria

Content Selection

We prioritize topics of public interest that provide informative, analytical, or technical value. We aim to balance breaking news coverage with long-term analysis, avoiding the republication of purely promotional or low-relevance content without added value.

Verification and Sourcing

We prefer sources identified by name, title, and organization.
The use of anonymous sources is limited to cases involving real risk to the individual or information of exceptional relevance.
We ensure that key information is backed by more than one source or by verifiable documentation (official documents, contracts, public records, technical reports, databases, etc.).
When using social media and OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), we verify the authenticity, date, location, and context of the material before publication.

Coverage of Defense, Security, and Technology

In fields where misinformation, secrecy, or propaganda are common, we apply rigorous verification and contextual controls. We clearly identify:

Information originating from a single interested party (e.g., military, government, or corporate press releases).
Estimates, hypotheses, or assessments, distinguishing them from proven facts.
The limitations of available information, especially regarding ongoing operations or classified matters.

Visuals and Sensitive Content

We avoid publishing images showing extreme violence, identifiable victims, or degrading situations, unless there is a clear public interest and appropriate context or warnings are provided.
We do not manipulate photos or videos in a way that alters their informative meaning. Any significant editing (composites, reenactments, infographics) will be transparently labeled.
In coverage involving victims, family members, or military and security personnel, we prioritize dignity, privacy, and protection against potential reprisals.

Headlines, Editing, and Updates

Headlines and leads must faithfully reflect the content without exaggeration or leading the reader to erroneous conclusions.
Articles may be updated as new information emerges. When an update involves a substantial change to the original meaning, a note of the modification will be clearly stated.

5. Sourcing, Citations, and Documentation

Anonymous Sources and “Off the Record”

Anonymity is an exception, not the rule. It is granted only when the source faces legitimate risks (professional, legal, or physical) and the information is of clear public interest.
Information from anonymous sources must be corroborated to the fullest extent possible.
The use of “off the record,” “on background,” or “not for attribution” must be explicitly agreed upon. We honor these agreements and will not breach the trust of our sources.

Citations, References, and Documents

We clearly attribute data, quotes, and documents to their authors or responsible organizations, except when source confidentiality must be preserved.
When handling leaked or confidential documents, we carefully evaluate the potential impact, the public interest, and risks to third parties prior to publication.

6. Corrections, Retractions, and Right of Reply

Error Correction

Any significant error will be corrected promptly, clearly, and visibly.
Corrections are neither hidden nor minimized; we explicitly state what was corrected and, where appropriate, describe the original error.

Retractions and Right of Reply

Individuals or institutions directly affected by information they consider inaccurate, incomplete, or unfair will have access to channels to request a review or a formal reply.
We evaluate every request, verify the information, and—if justified—publish clarifications, replies, or follow-ups, while maintaining our editorial independence and judgment.

7. Advertising, Sponsored Content, and Commercial Relations

Separation of Advertising and Editorial Content

The newsroom operates independently of the commercial, marketing, and institutional relations departments.
The procurement of advertising, sponsorships, or consulting services shall not influence the editorial line or the reporting of topics related to advertisers or clients.

8. Diversity, Inclusion, and Non-Discrimination

We do not promote or tolerate content that incites hatred or discrimination based on nationality, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, political ideology, socioeconomic status, or any other personal characteristics.

Whenever possible, we strive to:

Give a voice to diverse sources in terms of geography, institutions, and professional backgrounds.
Avoid oversimplified stereotypes regarding countries, armed forces, communities, or social groups.
Use respectful and precise language, especially when covering sensitive issues.

9. Privacy, Personal Data, and Protection of Minors

We respect the private lives of individuals, even when they are involved in matters of public interest. We evaluate on a case-by-case basis the balance between the right to information and the right to privacy.

We refrain from identifying minors in situations involving conflict, crime, or victimization, except under exceptional and duly justified circumstances.
We do not publish sensitive personal data (home addresses, phone numbers, identification documents, medical information, etc.) when doing so could jeopardize an individual’s safety or dignity.

10. Safety of Journalists and Correspondents

Coverage of defense, security, and conflicts may involve special risks. Blue Field Media is committed to:

Promoting compliance with basic physical, digital, and psychological safety protocols for journalists, correspondents, and contributors.
Not requiring any team member to undertake risks that exceed what is reasonable.
Respecting a journalist’s decision to opt out of specific assignments due to personal safety concerns.

11. Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Content Manipulation

We acknowledge the impact of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, on content production and distribution.

Any use of AI in generating text, images, or audiovisual material must be supervised by responsible journalists and does not replace human verification.
We will not publish AI-generated or AI-modified content that could mislead the public regarding its nature without providing a clear disclosure.
We will be explicit when using reenactments, simulations, or computer-generated imagery (CGI).

12. Implementation and Policy Review

This Ethics and Editorial Policy is mandatory for everyone working at Blue Field Media, whether as permanent staff, freelancers, or occasional contributors.

Each outlet (Zona Militar, Escenario Mundial, Espacio Tech, and El Estratégico) may develop internal manuals or guidelines detailing specific procedures, provided they align with these core principles.
We will periodically review this policy to update it in response to changes in professional practice, technology, regulations, and public expectations.
Any team member or reader who identifies a potential breach of this policy may contact the Editorial Management through the channels provided on our websites.