Platform Policy

Yellow Blue editorial policy

Yellow Blue is a platform dedicated to Ukrainians as a global nation. We are not a PR agency. Our editorial team consists of professional journalists who act strictly in the readers' interests and adhere to the highest journalistic standards.

Funding

Yellow Blue is funded by philanthropist Adam Kharlampovych.

We never accept financial compensation from the individuals or companies featured in our stories. Likewise, we do not pay sources for interviews.

Our benefactor, advertisers, partners, and donors have no influence over the selection of topics, featured subjects, headlines, or editorial conclusions.

Authorship and editorial independence

All Yellow Blue publications are the product of independent journalistic and editorial work.

We do not grant copy approval or submit drafts to featured subjects for pre-publication review. The editorial team may consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis, but the source must negotiate this with the journalist prior to the interview.

The editorial team retains full autonomy in determining the topics, formats, and structure of our publications, as well as selecting headlines, photographs, quotes, and the overall editorial framing.

Pitching and contributing

We are always open to collaborating with freelance journalists and independent contributors. However, all content must adhere to Yellow Blue’s editorial standards. Please familiarize yourself with these guidelines before pitching a story.

  1. Before submitting a pitch, review the articles and podcasts on our website, along with this editorial policy. This outlines the topics we cover, our preferred tone, and the practices we avoid.

  2. A story pitch must include:

    • A working title;
    • Brief background context;
    • An explanation of what makes the individual, company, or phenomenon unique;
    • The core angle or focus of the story;
    • The key takeaway or objective of the publication;
    • Your proposed deadline.
  3. We don't publish sponsored content unless it is part of a formally agreed advertising or partnership project. Such stories are always clearly labeled as sponsored.
  4. Articles are published under the authors' real names. The use of a pseudonym is permitted only in exceptional circumstances and requires separate editorial approval.
  5. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions to align with Yellow Blue’s style, structure, and standards, without altering the factual accuracy or core narrative. If necessary, the editorial team may request the author to revise the draft or provide additional evidence and source verification.
  6. To pitch a story, email us at [email protected] with the subject line: "Story Pitch for Yellow Blue". Our editorial team aims to respond to all submissions within three business days.

Factual clarifications 

We may share direct quotes with sources before publication, but solely to verify factual accuracy (e.g., names, numbers, dates, and locations). This rule applies across all content, including interviews.

The editorial team does not grant copy approval for articles, interviews, or social media posts to the individuals or organizations featured in them. Any information voluntarily provided on the record may be used at our discretion, in accordance with journalistic standards, applicable law, the public interest, and prior agreements with the source.

Publication procedure 

If a source fails to respond within three calendar days of receiving their quotes for fact-checking, the editorial team reserves the right to proceed with publication without additional approval.

Once an interview or comment has been provided on the record, sources do not have the right to retroactively withdraw their statements or demand that publication be canceled. The editorial team reviews any such requests on a case-by-case basis, strictly weighing the public interest, safety concerns, ethical standards, and applicable law.

Right of reply 

If a story contains significant criticism, allegations, or information that could negatively impact the reputation of an individual or organization, Yellow Blue makes every effort to contact them for comment prior to publication, allowing a reasonable timeframe for a response.

A lack of response does not prevent or delay publication. When applicable, the editorial team will explicitly note in the piece that the individual or organization declined to comment or failed to respond to our inquiries.

Corrections and updates 

Yellow Blue is committed to correcting confirmed factual errors as promptly as possible.

Significant changes are marked with an editorial note detailing exactly what was corrected or updated. Minor typographical, stylistic, or technical edits may be made without a separate disclosure.

If a subject or reader identifies a potential factual error post-publication, they are encouraged to report it to the editorial team. We will verify the claim and issue a correction if the error is confirmed.

Conflict of interest 

Yellow Blue journalists and editors must uphold the highest professional standards and actively avoid any conflicts of interest.

If a team member has personal, professional, or financial ties that could influence the objectivity or perception of a story, they are required to disclose this to the editorial team immediately.

Should the editorial team become aware of a potential conflict of interest after a piece has been published, we will inform our readers and issue an appropriate disclosure or clarification.

Anonymous sources 

Yellow Blue relies on anonymous sources only when the information holds significant public value and disclosing the source's identity could put them at risk.

The source’s identity must be known to the reporter and at least one editor.

We explain our reasons for granting anonymity to our readers in as much detail as possible without compromising the source.

Typically, we publish the real first and last names of our primary subjects. Other individuals mentioned in a story—such as investors, business partners, employees, or relatives—may remain anonymous if disclosure poses a security threat, violates applicable law, or breaches valid non-disclosure agreements. The editorial team reviews these situations on a case-by-case basis.

Photographs, headlines, and ledes 

The editorial team retains full independence in selecting photographs, headlines, and ledes, and does not submit them to featured subjects for approval.

We do not alter these elements simply because a subject dislikes them or because they do not align with their PR or business interests.

However, we will review substantiated complaints concerning factual inaccuracies, copyright infringements, security threats, or severe ethical risks.

Use of photographs and other media 

Yellow Blue uses photographs, videos, illustrations, and other media only when we have the appropriate permissions, licenses, or legal grounds to do so.

We credit the creators and sources of these materials whenever possible and as required by the terms of use. Materials provided by companies, government agencies, partners, or featured subjects are clearly labeled as such when necessary.

The editorial team may also embed media or posts that subjects have made publicly available on their social media accounts, provided it is relevant to the story and does not violate copyright, privacy rights, or platform guidelines.

Separation of advertising and editorial content 

Advertisements, partner content, special projects, and other sponsored materials are clearly marked with an appropriate label.

Commercial partners have no right to interfere in editorial decisions or demand alterations to independent Yellow Blue journalism.

Removal of content 

Yellow Blue does not unpublish content, in whole or in part, simply upon request from featured individuals or organizations.

The editorial team considers removal only in exceptional circumstances—such as documented security threats, legal mandates, severe factual inaccuracies, rights violations, or profound ethical risks. If a story is removed from the website, we will publish an editorial note explaining the decision.

A subject’s mere dissatisfaction with a story, its failure to benefit their business, or a negative public reaction does not constitute grounds for removal.

Mutual respect 

The Yellow Blue editorial team treats all interviewees, subjects, and sources with equal respect.

We expect the same level of professional courtesy toward our journalists, editors, photographers, and other team members in return.

Contacting the editorial team 

Concerns regarding potential factual errors, conflicts of interest, copyright infringements, or other editorial matters can be directed to [email protected].

The editorial team reviews all substantiated inquiries and will notify the sender of our decision within a reasonable timeframe.

Simple disagreement with an author’s perspective, assessment, or conclusions is not sufficient grounds for amending or removing a publication.