What counts as sponsored content
Sponsored content is any article, image, video, newsletter slot or on-site placement where a third party has paid, provided goods or services, or otherwise compensated The Daily Gold Coast (directly or through an agency) in exchange for publication. This includes advertorials, brand-funded explainers, sponsored newsletter sections, paid sponsor spotlights and affiliate placements where we earn a commission.
How we label it
- Every sponsored article carries a prominent "Sponsored" badge at the top of the page, above the headline, in the same position on every story.
- The sponsoring brand is named in a disclosure line directly below the headline (for example: "Sponsored by [Brand]").
- Sponsored stories appear with the same "Sponsored" label in listings, the homepage, search results, RSS feeds, the public JSON API and the morning briefing.
- Sponsored newsletter slots are introduced with a clearly marked "Sponsor message" or "Partner" heading and visually separated from editorial copy.
- Affiliate links are disclosed inline ("We may earn a commission if you buy through this link") at the first relevant point in the article.
Editorial independence
Sponsors do not direct The Daily Gold Coast editorial coverage. News articles, investigations and analysis are produced independently and are not sold, traded or influenced by advertising relationships. Sponsors may suggest topics for sponsored articles but the final copy is written or edited by our team to meet accuracy and clarity standards. Sponsors may not review or veto unrelated editorial coverage.
What we will not accept
- Sponsored content that mimics breaking news or is designed to deceive readers about its commercial nature.
- Content that makes claims we cannot substantiate or that we believe to be misleading under the Australian Consumer Law.
- Political advertising that does not carry the legally required authorisation.
- Gambling, payday lending, alcohol-to-minors, tobacco or other categories prohibited by Australian advertising codes.
- Content from sponsors who refuse to be named in the disclosure line.
Gifts, trips and review units
Where a reporter accepts a meal, ticket, review unit or familiarisation trip, this is disclosed at the foot of the relevant article. Items provided for review are returned where practical or declared as a gift in our register.
Corrections and complaints
If you believe a piece of sponsored content on The Daily Gold Coast is misleading or insufficiently labelled, please contact us at editor@dailygoldcoast.com.au or use the "Suggest a correction" link on the article. We aim to respond within two business days and will publicly note any correction or relabelling.
Reference
This policy is informed by the ACCC's guidance on online advertising and influencer disclosure, the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) Code of Ethics, and the Australian Press Council's Standards of Practice.