Chalo Chatu:Editorial Review Policy
All content submitted to Chalo Chatu is subject to editorial review before it is published. The review process ensures that all articles meet the platform’s standards for accuracy, neutrality, verifiability, and national relevance. This policy outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and criteria used by the Chalo Chatu editorial team.
Purpose of Editorial Review
The editorial review process exists to:
- Maintain high standards of factual accuracy
- Prevent the publication of false or misleading information
- Uphold neutrality and community-informed narrative
- Ensure that all articles meet notability and sourcing requirements
- Protect the integrity of Zambia’s digital historical record
What Requires Review
All of the following are subject to editorial review:
- New article submissions
- Major edits or rewrites of existing pages
- Content involving living people or sensitive topics
- Oral history contributions
- Uploaded files (images, audio, or video)
- Metadata and infobox changes
Minor edits (grammar corrections, formatting, etc.) may be accepted without formal review but may still be monitored.
Editorial Review Process
The process includes the following steps:
- Submission: Content is submitted by a registered contributor.
- Initial screening: An editor checks the article for structure, tone, and completeness.
- Fact-checking: Sources are reviewed for reliability and relevance.
- Notability assessment: The subject is assessed against the Notability Policy.
- Oral history validation (if applicable): Accounts are verified using oral history procedures.
- Final decision: The editor approves, rejects, or requests changes to the submission.
Articles that pass review are published immediately. Those that do not meet the required standards are either returned to the contributor for revision or removed from the queue.
Editorial Roles and Responsibilities
- Contributors are expected to submit only well-sourced and neutral content.
- Editors are responsible for enforcing editorial policies, reviewing content fairly, and providing feedback.
- Senior editors or the Editorial Board may handle disputed cases, appeals, or sensitive topics.
All editorial decisions must be based on policy, not personal opinion.
Turnaround Time
Most submissions are reviewed within 3–7 days. Complex or high-profile topics may take longer. Contributors are encouraged to be patient and respond to feedback where needed.
Appeals and Disputes
If a contributor disagrees with an editorial decision:
- They may request clarification or provide further sources.
- In unresolved cases, a second editor or senior editor may be asked to re-evaluate the decision.
- Final authority rests with the Chalo Chatu Editorial Board.
Editorial Integrity
Editors must act with professionalism, neutrality, and respect. Abuse of editorial tools, biased decisions, or personal targeting will result in disciplinary action.
