Editorial policy
Sponsored content policy
How The Daily Sunshine Coast labels, separates and discloses paid content, in line with Australian Consumer Law and the ACCC's guidance on influencer and native advertising.
1. What we mean by "sponsored content"
Sponsored content is any article, newsletter placement, podcast segment, video, social post or homepage card whose subject, placement or wording has been influenced by payment, gifting, commission, equity, or any other commercial benefit received by The Daily Sunshine Coast or its staff. This includes advertorial, native advertising, affiliate links, sponsored series and brand partnerships.
2. Clear and prominent labelling
Every piece of sponsored content carries a label that a reasonable reader would understand at a glance. The label appears in the same visual position as the article's section kicker, in the same size, before the headline. We use plain English labels such as "Sponsored", "Paid partnership with [advertiser]" or "Advertorial". We do not use ambiguous wording such as "featured", "presented by" or "in association with" on their own.
3. Separation from editorial
Sponsored content is visually distinct from our independent reporting (different background, byline treatment and a disclosure block at the top of the article). It is never disguised as a news story, breaking news alert, or staff opinion piece. Sponsored articles do not appear in our "Breaking" or "Just in" rails.
4. Affiliate links and commissions
Where we earn a commission on a product link — for example in shopping round-ups or property listings — the article includes a standing disclosure stating that The Daily Sunshine Coast may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, and that commissions do not change the price paid by the reader.
5. Gifts, trips and hospitality
Reviews and coverage of products, venues or events that were provided free of charge include a disclosure stating what was provided and by whom. Receiving a gift never guarantees coverage, and our reporters retain full editorial control over the angle and verdict.
6. Editorial control and accuracy
Sponsors do not see our independent editorial coverage before publication and have no influence over our news judgement, story selection or framing. Sponsored content is fact-checked to the same standard as our editorial work, and the same corrections policy applies — see our editorial standards.
7. What we will not do
- Accept payment for favourable coverage in news articles.
- Allow sponsors to approve or veto editorial copy about them.
- Run sponsored content that is misleading, deceptive, or that targets vulnerable readers (including children).
- Run sponsored content for products that we consider unsafe or illegal in Sunshine Coast.
8. Complaints and corrections
If you believe a piece of sponsored content on The Daily Sunshine Coast is not clearly labelled, is misleading, or otherwise breaches this policy or Australian Consumer Law, email our editor. We respond within five business days and publish corrections transparently.
9. Governing guidance
This policy is informed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's guidance on influencers and native advertising, the Australian Consumer Law's prohibitions on misleading and deceptive conduct (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010), and the AANA Code of Ethics. We review it annually.