Editorial policy
Sponsored content policy
The Daily Darwin accepts paid sponsored content. We are committed to making the commercial nature of that content unmistakable to every reader, in line with Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) guidance and the Australian Consumer Law.
What counts as sponsored content
Any article, newsletter section, podcast segment or social post that has been paid for, or where the publisher has received money, goods, services or other consideration in exchange for publication, is sponsored content. This includes native advertising, advertorials, sponsored guides, brand-funded series and paid event listings.
How we label it
- A prominent “Sponsored Content” or “Sponsored” label appears at the top of every sponsored article, above the headline.
- The sponsor is named clearly in the article and on the article card.
- Sponsored articles use a distinct visual treatment so they cannot be confused with independent editorial coverage.
- Newsletter sponsorships are introduced with a “Sponsored by” heading.
- Labels remain on the article in perpetuity. We do not strip the disclosure after publication.
Editorial independence
Sponsored content is produced separately from our newsroom. Sponsors do not influence what stories our journalists choose to cover, the angle of editorial coverage, or the conclusions reached in independent reporting. Editors retain the final say on whether to publish any sponsored submission and may decline or require changes for accuracy, clarity or compliance with this policy.
Accuracy and consumer protection
Sponsored content must comply with the Australian Consumer Law, including the prohibitions on misleading or deceptive conduct (s18) and false or misleading representations (s29). We do not publish sponsored claims about price, savings, testimonials, endorsements, environmental benefits or health outcomes that we cannot substantiate. Sponsors are responsible for the underlying accuracy of their claims; we will require evidence on request and will correct or remove content that breaches these standards.
What we will not accept
- Content designed to look like independent investigative journalism.
- Political advertising disguised as news.
- Misleading testimonials, fake reviews or content that breaches the ACCC's guidance on influencer disclosure.
- Content promoting products that are illegal, unsafe, or restricted under Australian law without the required disclosures.
Reader feedback
If you ever see commercial content on The Daily Darwin that you believe is not clearly labelled, please tell us via our contact page. We take disclosure complaints seriously and will review and correct any breach of this policy promptly.