Article 1 of the French Act No. 2016-1524 of November 14, 2016, aimed at “strengthening media freedom, independence and pluralism”, stipulates that “media and audio-visual companies or businesses that do not have an ethics charter shall engage in negotiations as from the publication of this law. This charter shall be jointly compiled by the company management and journalist representatives.”

The Law of November 2016 provides journalists with a right of opposition. They can refuse to apply an instruction that opposes the company’s charter. The purpose of the law is to remind each member of a media company of their respective obligations. The charter or absence of a charter may be opposed in the event of an internal dispute.

The law does not make it mandatory for a charter to be created. However, publishing a charter on a company’s websites can be a means to stand apart; it recognizes the value of the publisher and editorial team’s work.

Indigo Publications is a media company independent of the interests of any other media organization, government or political party. Our sole source of revenue comes from the sale of our editorial productions, other than potential financial investments. We never make use of advertising nor provide any consultancy services.

Based in Paris, Indigo Publications’ primary vocation is to provide its readers, through the work of its journalists, with information that is of high quality, balanced, checked and reliable. Its publications – renowned online media sites – are:

• AfricaIntelligence.fr, CPPAP No.: 1220 W 90644
• AfricaIntelligence.com, CPPAP No.: 1220 W 92894
• IntelligenceOnline.fr, CPPAP No.: 1220 W 90645
• IntelligenceOnline.com, CPPAP No.: 1220 W 92895
• LaLettreA.fr, CPPAP No.: 1220 W 90643

The aim of the present charter is to specify the commitments, duties and principles that govern the Indigo Publication’s editorial approach. These conditions are essential for the company to properly function. Each journalist at the company is given a copy of this charter.

Indigo Publications is a member of the French online independent media union, Syndicat de la presse indépendante d’information en ligne (SPIIL). As such, the company has accepted to comply with the rules of the SPIIL’s good practices guidelines. This completes the Munich Declaration on the duties and rights of journalists that SPIIL members undertake to respect (see appendix*).

Indigo Publications defines itself as an independent media company. It defends free and independent journalism and does not act in the service of third party interests or influence.

Except for specific circumstances, Indigo Publications covers all of the professional fees incurred by the journalists that it employees: travel, accommodation, food, etc.

Indigo Publications’ journalists undertake to not directly or indirectly accept any gifts or other benefits as part of their activity or, more generally, under any circumstance where this could affect their work.

These specific circumstances are defined by the person in charge of the editorial team, and each member of staff must refer to this person regarding this matter.

Indigo Publications’ editorial obligations do not oppose its journalists from accepting free entries to certain events or conferences that they wish to cover.

Indigo Publications covers the costs for the participation in a press trip.

Indigo Publication’s commercial and editorial activities are separated. Those in charge of sales (marketing and management of subscriptions) do not have any editorial responsibilities or direct hierarchical connection with the editorial staff.

Indigo Publications undertakes to permanently employ professional journalists who hold a press card. The company applies the various media company collective employment agreements.

Indigo Publications’ journalists undertake to not take part in any activities that benefit trademarks, companies, governments or organisations.

To offer full transparency about any press grants, Indigo Publications shall inform its readers of the sum of any private or public grants it may receive and for which projects this money is to be used.

Indigo Publication’s legal notice is clearly visible and available on all of the websites it publishes. This notice details the name of the publisher, the company’s legal statute and the names of all shareholders that hold over 10% of the share capital.

Each year, Indigo Publications informs its readers with a summary of its annual financial statements and the broad outlines of its economic activity. These are published on its institutional website. The full financial statements are filed with the Registry of the Paris Court of Commerce where they can be accessed by the general public.

Indigo Publications refuses all forms advertisement (including brand content and native advertising). Only notifications of conferences are accepted free of charge, within the framework of our partnerships.

The Charter of Munich