Editorial Policy

1. Introduction – Personalisation and OTN Bangla
   On-demand digital media combined with personalisation has fundamentally changed consumption patterns in all media – video, audio, and text.

The sheer volume of readily available content has meant audiences have access to information and entertainment they may never have known existed in a linear world. This ‘democratisation of choice’ is a clear benefit for users of non-linear platforms. The volume of accessible content means that there are significant potential challenges to audiences discovering content which is of interest or relevance to them.

Personalisation relies on technology and algorithms to increase discoverability of content, extends its lifespan, and therefore represents a more effective use of limited resources and a clear benefit for users.

There are legitimate fears among regulators and the public that the accumulation and storage of user data can intrude on people’s privacy; and that the use of algorithms to offer personalised recommendations can contribute to increasing fragmentation of audiences creating isolated communities of interest and so-called ‘filter bubbles’.

That concern particularly relates to the provision of news and information where a well-functioning democracy depends on the free flow of accurate information, objective analysis, and diverse opinions.

For many years, since reliable audience data became available, OTN Bangla has managed the sometimes-competing demands of attracting broad audiences while still serving the public with a comprehensive coverage of the most important news stories. Whether it was the lure of higher engagement or the temptation to get more ‘clicks,’ OTN Bangla has never lost sight of its responsibility to act in the public interest.

This guidance outlines the editorial principles adopted by OTN Bangla to ensure that personalisation delivers a comprehensive service across genres consistent with its mission to inform, educate, and entertain all audiences.

The personalisation strategy is aimed at improving OTN Bangla‘s capacity to deliver on these values, not diminish or undermine them.

There are two fundamental reasons why personalisation will not create ‘filter bubbles’ or undermine the accuracy and reliability of OTN Bangla‘s news service.

Firstly, curation by experienced editorial staff will determine the core offering of OTN Bangla‘s news and other factual content. The major news stories of the day and objective analysis of significant national and international events will always be prominent on all news platforms for all users.

Personalisation will augment, not replace, the core function of news and information services. In addition to offering specialised services such as local news based on location, we will enrich the experience of users by alerting them to major stories they may have missed, and stories related to the stories they have already seen, heard, or read. This will ensure greater diversity and comprehensiveness of the offering, not less.

Secondly, OTN Bangla is a publisher, not an aggregator. Unlike social media platforms, all our content is either produced, commissioned, or acquired through a process that ensures it is consistent with OTN Bangla‘s editorial policies. No content will be offered that has not been assessed by experienced editorial staff, content managers, or, when relevant, classifiers to ensure it meets all OTN Bangla‘s editorial standards, including accuracy, impartiality, and harm & offence.

Algorithmically derived recommendations should enhance and not undermine OTN Bangla‘s reputation as an independent, trusted, and impartial provider of news, information, and entertainment.

2. Relevant Editorial Policies
   OTN Bangla’s on-demand services are subject to the same Editorial Policies as other broadcast and digital content.

All individual pieces of content available to digital on-demand platforms are subjected to normal editorial processes to ensure they are consistent with OTN Bangla‘s Editorial Policies.

The policies relevant to the personalisation process and use of algorithms are those that affect the curation and presentation of content rather than their production. They are:

• Impartiality
• Harm and Offence
• Children and Young People
• Privacy

OTN Bangla will ensure all its platforms are consistent with these policies and its wider obligations. Personalisation will improve our capacity to provide a service that is both popular and serves the needs of its audiences.

3. How OTN Bangla Applies Personalisation
   As a digital news platform, OTN Bangla must deliver reliable information and quality entertainment which reflects diverse perspectives. Reliable information is important for the wellbeing of the democratic system and society.

Editors, producers, programmers, and acquisition executives ensure stories and programs fulfil OTN Bangla‘s strategic and business goals while still according with its Editorial Policies. That will continue. Personalisation will enhance but not replace editorial and programming judgment.

Content commissioning and editing, acquisition, programming, and curation will continue to be the principal tools for achieving diversity of content and perspectives for audiences across OTN Bangla‘s digital products. However, algorithmic recommendations over time will increasingly assist viewers to discover content that is likely to be of special interest or relevance to them while still making them aware of other content that might not necessarily fit their profile or demonstrated preferences.

4. Personalisation Will Enhance Diversity
   Personalisation will enhance OTN Bangla‘s ability to ensure that diversity of opinion, voices, and particularly subject matter is discoverable for all audiences.

As data is collected on users’ interests, as shown by the viewing, listening, and reading behaviour in each account, they will be offered personalised recommendations.

The degree of personalisation will vary in different content categories and on different platforms. However, editorial input and algorithms will ensure content diversity and editorial compliance.

5. Privacy
   We will not infer or draw conclusions about the sensitive characteristics of a person or use sensitive personal information to make recommendations. Recommendations are based on users’ interests and preferences suggested by their history of past usage of OTN Bangla‘s digital services.
6. Opting Out
   At any time, users may choose not to receive personalised recommendations. Users will still be offered general recommendations, not based on the individual’s profile or previous use.
7. Harm and Offence
   Content should not gratuitously offend its audience; warnings or classifications will be used to assist audience members in deciding what to engage with.
8. News and Factual Content
   Editorial teams will continue to curate news selections to ensure accuracy, diversity, and impartiality. Algorithmic recommendations will help users discover relevant content while maintaining journalistic integrity.

9. Take-down, Withdrawal, Removal, Clarification, or Apology Procedures

At OTN Bangla, we uphold the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, and ethical publishing. However, in cases where content requires correction, removal, or clarification, the following procedures are in place:

a. Take-down and Removal Requests

• Any individual, organisation, or legal entity may submit a request for content removal or modification if they believe it is inaccurate, defamatory, violates copyright, or breaches ethical standards.
• Requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected] with clear justification and supporting evidence.
• Each request will be reviewed by the Editorial Board and, if necessary, legal advisors.

b. Article Withdrawal and Retraction

• Published content may be withdrawn if it contains significant errors, ethical breaches, or legal concerns.
• A formal retraction statement will be issued to inform readers of the reason for withdrawal.
• The withdrawn content will be marked accordingly in the publication archive.

c. Corrections and Clarifications

• If minor errors or misleading information are identified, an official correction or clarification notice will be appended to the original content.
• The correction will clearly state the nature of the change and the reason for the amendment.

d. Apology and Redress

• If content has caused unintentional harm or misrepresentation, the Editorial Team may issue a formal apology.
• Apologies will be published in a transparent manner and, where applicable, shared with affected parties.

e. Decision-Making Process

• All take-down and modification requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Decisions will be made based on journalistic ethics, legal compliance, and public interest considerations.
• The final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Review Panel.

These procedures ensure accountability, fairness, and transparency in handling concerns related to published content.

This policy ensures that OTN Bangla remains a trusted source of information while leveraging technology to improve user experience.