This Sponsored Content Policy sets out the rules and standards that govern any commercial material published on Blickindex (blickindex.de), which is owned and operated by Rhein Media Ltd., a private company registered in Gibraltar (company number 132410). The policy is supervised by Chefredaktör Thomas Weber, who is responsible for ensuring that all sponsored content is clearly labelled and that editorial integrity is maintained.
Who is responsible for sponsored content at Blickindex?
The overall responsibility for sponsored content at Blickindex rests with Chefredaktör Thomas Weber and our publisher Rhein Media Ltd., registered at Suite 5.03, World Trade Center, 6 Bayside Road, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA. They ensure that all commercial material meets our labelling requirements and does not influence our independent journalism. Our editorial team, led by Redaktionschef Anna Müller, and our fact-checking team headed by Laura Hoffmann, review every piece of sponsored content before publication to verify accuracy and compliance with this policy. Any concerns about sponsored content should be raised with Thomas Weber directly.
How do we label sponsored content?
All sponsored content on Blickindex is clearly and conspicuously labelled with the words “Sponsored Content” or “Sponsored by [partner name]” at the top of the page or article. This label appears before any content so that readers can immediately distinguish commercial material from editorial journalism. The label is also applied to images, videos, and other media within the piece. Sponsored articles are visually distinct from our editorial content through a different layout or border, and they are never mixed into our news feeds without disclosure. Readers can refer to our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure for further detail on all commercial content types.
What is the difference between sponsored content and affiliate links?
Sponsored content is paid-for material from a commercial partner that is produced under their direction, whereas affiliate links are editorial referrals that may earn us a commission if readers make a purchase. Both are clearly disclosed, but they follow different policies. Affiliate links appear within our independent editorial articles and are marked in accordance with our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure. Sponsored content, by contrast, is a separate arrangement where the partner has editorial input on that specific piece only. We never use affiliate links inside sponsored content unless separately disclosed, and we ensure readers can always tell one from the other.
How does sponsored content relate to our editorial independence?
Editorial independence is absolute at Blickindex: no sponsor or commercial partner has any influence over our news coverage, analysis, or editorial conclusions. Sponsored content is clearly separated from editorial content and never determines our news decisions. The editorial team, overseen by Thomas Weber and Anna Müller, operates a strict firewall that prevents commercial considerations from affecting what our journalists write. Our Editorial Policy guarantees that all news and opinion pieces are produced without external interference, and this policy extends to sponsored material, which is never used to suppress or alter independent reporting.
How can readers or partners enquire about sponsored content?
Enquiries about sponsored content should be directed to sponsored@blickindex.de. For general contact or complaints about sponsored material, readers may also use our Contact page. Partners interested in advertising or sponsorship opportunities are welcome to reach out to the same address, and our commercial team will respond with our rates, guidelines, and placement options. We treat all enquiries seriously and will acknowledge receipt within two working days. Complaints regarding sponsored content are handled under our Complaints Procedure, which guarantees a fair review by Thomas Weber.
Our commitments
- We clearly label all sponsored content as such, using prominent and unambiguous identifiers at the start of each piece.
- We maintain a strict editorial firewall that prevents sponsors from influencing our independent news and analysis.
- We disclose all commercial relationships, including affiliate links and sponsored material, in accordance with our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure.
- We review sponsored content for accuracy and compliance with our Fact-Checking Policy before publication, ensuring it meets our journalistic standards.
- We handle complaints about sponsored content promptly and transparently, with Chefredaktör Thomas Weber taking final responsibility for any necessary corrections or removals.