This Sponsored Content Policy explains how Hauptfokus (hauptfokus.de) manages sponsored material, ensuring clear labelling, editorial independence, and full transparency for our readers. As an independent Swedish digital news publisher owned by Alpen Press Ltd. (Gibraltar), we hold ourselves to the highest journalistic standards.
Who is responsible for sponsored content at Hauptfokus?
The Chefredaktör Michael Jung has ultimate responsibility for all sponsored content decisions and ensures compliance with this policy. Alpen Press Ltd., a private company registered in Gibraltar (company number 132587), owns and operates Hauptfokus. The editorial team, led by Redaktionschef Jessica Schuster, oversees the daily implementation of sponsored content guidelines and reviews every piece before publication.
All sponsored material is subject to the same fact‑checking and editorial review as our regular journalism. The fact‑checking team under Melanie Hartmann verifies factual claims in sponsored content, and any corrections are handled via our Corrections Policy. Sponsors have no say in editorial judgments or story selection.
How is sponsored content labelled?
Every sponsored article, video, or other format on Hauptfokus is clearly and consistently labelled with the tag “Sponsored” or “Sponsored Content” at the top of the page, in metadata, and in any preview or newsletter mention. Advertorials and other paid placements are marked as such and never disguised as independent editorial content.
Labels appear in a distinct visual style that differentiates them from standard editorial headlines. If a piece contains both sponsored text and affiliate links, both disclosures are made separately and prominently. Readers can also find a detailed explanation of our approach on the Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure page.
What is the difference between sponsored content and affiliate links?
Sponsored content is paid‑for material produced by or in collaboration with an advertiser, while affiliate links earn a commission when readers purchase products through those links. Both are disclosed explicitly, but they follow separate policies. Sponsored content is reviewed for factual accuracy and compliance with our editorial standards; affiliate links are clearly marked and do not influence which stories we cover or how we report them.
Hauptfokus never allows commercial relationships to determine editorial conclusions. Our Ownership & Funding page provides further detail on how we separate revenue from reporting. All affiliate disclosures are made in accordance with applicable regulations and include a brief note explaining the financial interest.
How does Hauptfokus maintain editorial independence from sponsors?
Sponsors have no influence over editorial conclusions, story selection, or reporting. The editorial team, led by Chefredaktör Michael Jung and Redaktionschef Jessica Schuster, has final authority on all content. Commercial relationships never determine what we publish or how we frame stories, and sponsors do not receive advance approval rights over editorial content.
This firewall extends to all forms of commercial partnerships, including sponsored content, newsletter sponsorships, and content licensing. Any editorial content that contains sponsored elements is clearly marked, and the editorial team retains full control over its accuracy and tone. Our fact‑checkers apply the same standards to sponsored material as to non‑sponsored pieces.
How can advertisers or readers contact us about sponsored content?
For sponsored content enquiries, please email sponsored@hauptfokus.de. For general contact, complaints, or to report a concern about sponsored material, visit our Contact page. The fact‑checking team under Melanie Hartmann also handles complaints about sponsored content and follows the same procedures outlined in our Corrections Policy.
Advertisers interested in partnerships should use the sponsored@ address. We respond to all enquiries within two business days. Readers who believe a sponsored piece contains factual errors or misleading claims are encouraged to contact us directly so we can investigate and correct promptly.
Our commitments
- We label all sponsored content clearly, consistently, and prominently.
- We maintain a strict editorial firewall between commercial partners and journalistic decisions.
- We fact‑check every sponsored piece before publication, applying the same rigour as to editorial content.
- We disclose all commercial relationships, including affiliate links, in a transparent and accessible way.
- We correct errors in sponsored content promptly and publicly, using the same process as for editorial corrections.