In order to publish a news item, we need a source that is unequivocally authorised, legitimate and verifiable. If we do not have this, the SBC in principle applies the double-source policy. This means that, as a rule, information cannot be published unless it can be verified by two independent sources.

An exception is made for unconfirmed reports of high relevance that are prominently featured on reputable online portals, in credible international media and on social media: in such cases, we may publish the information, provided that the source is credible and the news is plausible. At the same time, we must verify and follow up on the report in question (see 8 Dealing with artificial intelligence (AI)).

A second source is not necessary for printed interviews from credible sources.

Police and official communications published with a source reference do not usually require follow-up investigation either.

In the case of breaking news and rapidly developing and changing news situations, we place particularly high demands on source transparency. At the same time, particular caution is required when dealing with sources, images, video and audio material of all kinds (see 7.2 Fact-checking).

We only address rumours in justifiable exceptional cases. These must be truly important issues that attract a great deal of attention. We report on them objectively, briefly and with restraint. We consistently refer to our sources and point out in a clear and transparent way that these are rumours. We avoid speculation based on rumours.

As a general rule, the more difficult and unreliable the source, the more important it is to ensure transparency. Controversial facts must be presented as such. We only bypass the two-source rule with great caution and after critical reflection. These principles are important because false reports damage our credibility.

Particular caution is required with content that is disseminated via social media, private chats or platforms of unclear origin. We are clear and transparent about uncertainties or difficulties in investigation and the reliability of sources. Unconfirmed information is identified as such; sources must be authenticated and cross-verified.