This page explains how Politikpunkt is funded, how we handle advertising and affiliate links, and the measures we take to protect editorial independence. Our readers in Sweden and internationally deserve full transparency about the commercial relationships that support our journalism.
Who is responsible for the funding and commercial operations of Politikpunkt?
Politikpunkt Media Ltd., a private company registered in Gibraltar (company number C 92009, Malta Business Registry), owns and operates the publication. Chefredaktör Martin Krüger has ultimate authority over editorial content, while commercial partnerships are managed by a separate team reporting to the publisher.
Full ownership and funding details are documented on our ownership and funding page. The company’s registered office is Office 9, Business Centre, Valletta, 0000. All commercial revenue – including display advertising, affiliate links, sponsored content, newsletter sponsorships, and content licensing – flows through Politikpunkt Media Ltd. and is subject to the same transparency requirements.
No single advertiser or partner holds a controlling interest in the company. The editorial team, led by Martin Krüger and Redaktionschef Helena Peters, operates independently of any commercial influence.
How do affiliate links work on Politikpunkt?
Some articles contain affiliate links that may earn Politikpunkt a small commission if a reader purchases a product or service through those links. These links are clearly disclosed at the point of use, typically with a note such as “contains affiliate links” or similar wording near the link or at the bottom of the article.
Affiliate links are used exclusively in articles where they are relevant to the content – for example, in product reviews, comparison pieces, or guides about household economics reported by Wirtschaftreporter Birgit Krämer. The presence of an affiliate link never determines whether a product is covered, how it is evaluated, or what conclusion the article reaches. Commission rates vary by partner but are standard for the industry.
Readers will never pay more by using an affiliate link; any commission paid to Politikpunkt comes from the merchant. If you have questions about specific affiliate relationships, contact partnerships@politikpunkt.de. Our full policy on affiliate disclosure is integrated into our editorial policy.
How does display advertising support our journalism?
Display advertising is a primary source of revenue for Politikpunkt. Advertisements are served through programmatic networks and direct placements, and are clearly labelled as such. No advertisement is permitted to mimic editorial content or mislead readers about its commercial nature.
All display ads are subject to our advertising and affiliate disclosure standards. The commercial team, reachable at advertising@politikpunkt.de, manages inventory and relationships. Advertisements are reviewed to ensure they do not contradict our editorial values – for example, ads for gambling, unsubstantiated health claims, or political propaganda are rejected. The editorial department is never informed of which advertisers are running on specific pages, and advertisers have no say in article content.
Revenue from display advertising helps fund fact-checking, reporter salaries, and the technical infrastructure that keeps Politikpunkt accessible without a paywall.
What is our policy on sponsored content?
Sponsored content – material produced in collaboration with an external partner that is clearly labelled as “sponsored” or “partner content” – is subject to a distinct set of rules. Every sponsored article is marked with a visible disclosure at the top and bottom, and the partner’s name is included.
Sponsored content is never mixed with regular editorial output. It is commissioned by the commercial team and approved by an editor to ensure it meets basic journalistic standards of accuracy and decency. However, the conclusions and claims in sponsored content are the responsibility of the partner; Politikpunkt does not endorse any product or service in such pieces. Our detailed sponsored content policy explains the approval process, labelling requirements, and how readers can differentiate sponsored material from independent reporting.
Any editorial staff member who works on sponsored content recuses themselves from covering the same topic in independent news reporting to avoid conflicts of interest.
How do we maintain editorial independence from advertisers?
Commercial relationships – whether display advertising, affiliate links, sponsored content, or newsletter sponsorships – never determine editorial conclusions. Chefredaktör Martin Krüger has the final say on all editorial decisions, and no advertiser may preview, approve, or veto a story before publication.
The separation between the editorial and commercial teams is structural. The newsroom, led by Redaktionschef Helena Peters and Politikredaktör Patrick Beck, operates without knowledge of which advertisers are funding specific sections. All sponsored or commercial material is clearly labelled, and affiliate links are disclosed. Readers who suspect a conflict of interest can contact corrections@politikpunkt.de or use our complaints procedure.
Our contact page lists all editorial and commercial email addresses. We also publish an annual transparency report on our funding sources.
Our commitments
- Every advertisement, affiliate link, and sponsored piece is clearly labelled and distinguishable from independent editorial content.
- No advertiser or partner can influence editorial decisions, story selection, or the conclusions of any article.
- All revenue sources are disclosed on our ownership and funding page, updated at least annually.
- Readers can report suspected undisclosed commercial relationships via complaints@politikpunkt.de or our complaints procedure.
- We commit to reviewing and updating this disclosure policy at least once per year, with changes publicly noted.