Code of Conduct
Riolith Media conducts its activities across multiple jurisdictions and within a global environment where integrity, credibility, and professionalism are essential to the trust placed in a media organisation by audiences, clients, and business partners. This Code of Conduct (“the Code”) sets out the fundamental standards of lawful and ethical behaviour expected from all individuals connected to Riolith Media, including employees, directors, officers, contributors, consultants, contractors, licensees, freelancers, and any third parties who represent or act on its behalf. It serves both as a framework for legal compliance and as a statement of values, expectations, and principles that underpin the organisation’s reputation as a responsible and internationally respected media enterprise.
The Code is binding on all persons to whom it applies. It supplements, but does not replace, applicable laws, regulations, or contractual obligations. Where the provisions of this Code establish a higher standard than local custom or practice, the Code shall take precedence. Conversely, where applicable laws impose stricter standards, those legal requirements shall prevail. Every individual associated with Riolith Media is expected to familiarise themselves with this Code, understand its requirements, and apply them consistently and conscientiously in the performance of their duties. Lack of awareness of, or failure to consult, the Code cannot be invoked as an excuse for misconduct.
Professional Conduct, Workplace Behaviour, and Respect for Human Dignity
Riolith Media is committed to maintaining a working environment characterised by mutual respect, inclusion, fairness, and dignity. All individuals associated with the company must conduct themselves with professionalism, honesty, and courtesy in all interactions, whether within the workplace, in dealings with clients, or in public representations of the company.
Discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, exploitation, and retaliation of any kind are strictly prohibited. This prohibition applies to conduct based on race, colour, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, political opinion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, family or marital status, pregnancy or parental status, social or economic status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Riolith Media maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual harassment or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. All complaints will be treated seriously and investigated impartially, and no individual shall suffer retaliation for reporting concerns in good faith.
Labour practices must fully comply with applicable employment and labour laws, including those governing minimum wage, working time, rest periods, paid leave, social security contributions, and collective bargaining. Forced, bonded, trafficked, or prison labour is prohibited in all forms, and no recruitment fees may be charged to workers. Child labour is strictly prohibited; any engagement of young workers must comply with compulsory education laws, minimum age requirements, and restrictions on hazardous or night work.
Health and safety are integral to Riolith Media’s operations. All workplaces, including offices, studios, production sets, and event locations, must be maintained in a safe condition. Appropriate risk assessments must be carried out, hazards identified and mitigated, safety training provided, and suitable protective equipment made available where required. Emergency procedures, first-aid arrangements, and accident-reporting protocols must be in place. Individuals must not be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances when performing duties that could endanger themselves or others.
Editorial Integrity, Confidentiality, and Intellectual Property
As a media organisation, Riolith Media recognises that the credibility of its publications and productions rests on independence, accuracy, and ethical conduct. All editorial, journalistic, and creative work must be carried out with honesty, fairness, and respect for the truth. Factual reporting must be verified where possible, and content must not be distorted, manipulated, or misrepresented for improper purposes. Conflicts of interest that could compromise editorial independence must be avoided and disclosed promptly where they arise.
Confidential information must be safeguarded at all times. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, unpublished editorial material, layouts, images, cover features, production schedules, business plans, financial data, client lists, pricing, contractual terms, and personal data entrusted to Riolith Media. Such information may be accessed and used only for legitimate business purposes and must not be disclosed to unauthorised persons. The obligation of confidentiality continues after the termination of employment or engagement.
All intellectual property created in the course of employment or engagement with Riolith Media, unless otherwise agreed in writing, is the property of the company. This includes copyright in text, images, video, audio, design, and databases, as well as rights in trademarks, trade names, and logos. Individuals must not use Riolith Media’s intellectual property or proprietary assets for personal purposes or for the benefit of third parties without prior written authorisation.
Data Protection and Information Security
Riolith Media is committed to compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the French Data Protection Act, and equivalent data-protection laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates. All individuals processing personal data on behalf of the company must ensure that such processing is lawful, fair, transparent, limited to specific purposes, minimised to what is necessary, accurate, and retained no longer than required.
Access to personal data must be strictly controlled, with appropriate technical and organisational measures in place to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Personal data must not be transferred outside the European Economic Area unless lawful transfer mechanisms are implemented. Any data breach or suspected incident must be reported immediately to privacy@riolithmedia.com.
Company information systems, including email, networks, and devices, must be used solely for authorised business purposes. Unauthorised access, credential sharing, installation of unapproved software, or unlawful use of company systems is prohibited.
Integrity in Business Practices
Riolith Media conducts its business in full compliance with applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption, competition, trade, and financial-crime laws. No individual may offer, give, solicit, or accept bribes, kickbacks, facilitation payments, or anything of value intended to improperly influence a decision or secure an advantage. Hospitality and gifts must be modest, infrequent, and lawful; cash or equivalents are never permitted.
All financial transactions must be transparent, accurately recorded, and supported by appropriate documentation. Fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and tax evasion are strictly prohibited. Individuals must remain alert to warning signs such as unusual payment requests or unexplained financial arrangements.
Fair competition is essential. Collusion, price-fixing, bid-rigging, market allocation, or the exchange of competitively sensitive information is strictly prohibited. Confidential or insider information must not be misused or disclosed for personal gain.
Riolith Media complies with applicable international sanctions and export-control regulations. No business may be conducted with sanctioned individuals, entities, or jurisdictions without prior legal clearance.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
Riolith Media recognises its responsibility to minimise environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. All associated individuals and partners are expected to comply with environmental regulations, reduce waste and energy consumption, source materials responsibly, and integrate sustainability into production planning and operations. Special attention must be given to events and production sets, prioritising recyclable materials and responsible waste disposal.
The company also upholds internationally recognised human-rights standards, including due diligence in supply chains and avoidance of forced or exploitative labour.
Compliance, Reporting, and Enforcement
Compliance with this Code is a condition of employment, engagement, or association with Riolith Media. Individuals must seek guidance when uncertain about its application.
Any suspected violation of this Code, of law, or of company policy must be reported promptly to compliance@riolith.com. Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated impartially. Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Riolith Media reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary or contractual measures in response to breaches, including termination, restitution, and referral to authorities. The company may monitor compliance, conduct audits, and require corrective actions. This Code may be updated from time to time, and the most recent version will be published through official company channels.