Sponsored content policy

The Daily Geelong accepts advertising, sponsored newsletters and sponsored articles to fund our independent local journalism. We follow the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) guidance on native advertising and the Australian Consumer Law requirements against misleading or deceptive conduct.

Clear and prominent labelling

Any paid placement is labelled prominently and unambiguously before the reader engages with it. We use the words “Sponsored”, “Sponsored content” or “Paid partnership”. Labels are at the top of the unit, in the same visual weight as our editorial kicker, and never hidden in fine print.

Visual distinction

Sponsored articles use a clearly distinct presentation from editorial articles: a different kicker colour, a sponsor identifier, and a sponsor disclosure box at the top of the piece. They are not styled to look like newsroom reporting.

Editorial independence

Advertisers and sponsors have no influence over our editorial coverage. Sponsorship of a section or newsletter does not buy favourable coverage, and does not protect a sponsor from critical reporting. Editorial decisions are made independently of the commercial team.

Accuracy of sponsor claims

Sponsors are responsible for the accuracy of statements about their own products and services. We will not publish content that we believe is misleading or deceptive, that makes unsupported health or therapeutic claims, or that breaches Australian Consumer Law. We reserve the right to refuse or remove any paid placement.

Affiliate links

Where an article contains affiliate links that may earn The Daily Geelong a commission, we disclose this at the top of the article. Affiliate relationships do not change our editorial judgement about whether to cover a product, business or event.

Real estate and property listings

Featured property listings and developer placements on our property pages are paid promotions and are labelled as such. Standard real-estate listings sourced from public feeds are clearly distinguished from featured placements.

Excluded categories

We do not accept sponsored content for gambling promotions targeted at problem gamblers, tobacco, products making unverified therapeutic claims regulated by the TGA, or political advertising during election blackout periods.

Complaints

If you believe a sponsored placement on The Daily Geelong is not clearly labelled, is misleading, or otherwise breaches this policy, please contact us and we will respond within five business days. Unresolved complaints may be referred to the ACCC.

This policy is reviewed annually. Last updated: 2026.