This page sets out how Politikstudio (politikstudio.de) funds its journalism, what affiliate links and sponsored content mean for readers, and the safeguards that keep editorial decisions independent of commercial interests. The publisher, Politikstudi Media Ltd., a private company registered in Gibraltar (company number C 92009), retains full responsibility for all content.
Who is responsible for this disclosure?
Politikstudi Media Ltd., registered in Gibraltar (company number C 92009, Malta Business Registry), owns and operates Politikstudio. The company’s registered office is Office 9, Business Centre, Valletta, 0000. Overall editorial responsibility rests with Chefredaktör Oliver Keller (anders.lindqvist@politikstudio.de). Any questions about advertising, affiliate links or sponsored content can be directed to advertising@politikstudio.de or partnerships@politikstudio.de.
How is Politikstudio funded?
Politikstudio is funded through a mix of display advertising, affiliate links, commercial partnerships, sponsored content, newsletter sponsorships and content licensing. No single revenue source determines our editorial direction. A detailed breakdown of ownership and funding is available on our Ownership & Funding page. All commercial relationships are clearly disclosed, and sponsored material is labelled accordingly.
What are affiliate links and how do we use them?
Affiliate links are hyperlinks that may earn Politikstudio a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase or signs up for a service. We use them only where the linked product or service is relevant to the article and adds genuine value for the reader. Every affiliate link on our site is disclosed in a clear, standardised format near the link or in a disclosure box. Affiliate income helps sustain our independent journalism but never influences what we write or recommend. Our editorial team makes all decisions about which products or services to mention, and we never accept payments for favourable coverage.
How does display advertising work on the site?
Display advertisements are sold directly by our commercial team or through third‑party ad networks. Ads are clearly distinguishable from editorial content by labels such as “Advertisement” or “Sponsored”. We do not allow advertising that misleads readers, contains false claims, or promotes harmful products. Advertising placement is managed separately from the newsroom; no advertiser has any input into article topics, tone or publication timing. For advertising inquiries, contact advertising@politikstudio.de.
How is editorial independence guaranteed when commercial content exists?
Politikstudio’s editorial team operates under a strict firewall from commercial operations. Sponsored content and native advertising are clearly marked with a “Sponsored” or “Paid Content” label and are produced in accordance with our Sponsored Content Policy. No advertiser, partner or sponsor may veto, alter or delay editorial content. Our journalists are not incentivised by revenue targets, and Chefredaktör Oliver Keller has final authority over all publication decisions, corrections and complaint responses — as outlined in our Editorial Policy.
What about sponsored content and commercial partnerships?
Sponsored content on Politikstudio is always labelled and produced to the same factual standards as our regular journalism. The partner or sponsor has no editorial control over the final piece. We clearly state the nature of the sponsorship at the top of the article and again in a disclosure footer. All sponsored material is reviewed by a human editor and fact‑checked where claims are made. For partnership proposals, email partnerships@politikstudio.de. Our full guidelines are published on the Sponsored Content Policy page.
How do we handle reader complaints about advertising or commercial content?
If you believe an advertisement or affiliate link misrepresents a product, violates our policies or is misleading, please contact our complaints team at complaints@politikstudio.de or use the general contact form at /about-us/contact/. We treat all complaints seriously and respond within five working days. Complaints about editorial content are handled under our separate Complaints Procedure.
Our commitments
- All commercial and sponsored content is clearly labelled and never disguised as independent journalism.
- Affiliate links are disclosed in a consistent, reader‑friendly format next to the link.
- Display advertising is kept separate from editorial decision‑making; advertisers have no influence over news coverage.
- We maintain a published Sponsored Content Policy that governs how partnerships are negotiated, produced and labelled.
- Every complaint about advertising or commercial content receives a timely, documented response from our team.