Advertising Policy

Editorial Firewall

Flobstar maintains an absolute separation between its editorial newsroom and its advertising operations. No advertiser, sponsor, or commercial partner may direct, influence, suppress, or modify Flobstar editorial content, including story selection, article framing, headlines, publication timing, or any aspect of journalistic judgment.

The purchase of advertising space does not entitle an organisation to news coverage, favourable editorial treatment, or any form of commercial preference in newsroom decisions. Advertisers are not permitted to request editorial coverage as a condition of or compensation for advertising spend.

Flobstar reserves the right to report on, investigate, or publish information about any organisation, including current or former advertisers, based solely on its editorial judgment and journalistic standards.

Mandatory Disclosure

All paid placements on Flobstar are clearly and permanently labeled. Sponsored content, advertorial material, and partner-produced articles carry a visible "Sponsored" designation throughout the page. Display units are identified as advertising placements at all times.

Flobstar does not permit native advertising that is designed to be indistinguishable from editorial content. Readers must be able to identify paid placements at a glance.

Where Flobstar has a commercial relationship with an organisation referenced in an article, the relationship will be disclosed to readers where editorially appropriate and material to the audience's understanding of the content.

Prohibited Content Categories

Flobstar declines advertising that conflicts with its clinical accuracy standards, ethical obligations, or the interests of its audience.

Advertisements will not be accepted from categories including: products making unsubstantiated or misleading health claims; unapproved medical treatments or experimental therapies promoted directly to consumers; tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine delivery products; gambling products and services; content designed to exploit health fears or create medical misinformation; and advertising that targets vulnerable patients, children, or individuals in clinical distress.

Political advertising relating to elections, referenda, or candidates for public office is not accepted. Advertising that discriminates based on race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics will be rejected.

This list reflects Flobstar's standing policy but does not represent an exhaustive or final enumeration. Flobstar reserves the right to decline any advertisement at its sole discretion.

Clinical Accuracy Standards

All advertising and sponsored content published on Flobstar must meet Flobstar's clinical accuracy standards. Advertisements must not contain false or misleading health claims, overstate the evidence base for a product or service, present preliminary research as established clinical fact, or describe an unapproved treatment as safe or effective.

Advertisers are responsible for ensuring their creative materials comply with applicable regulatory guidelines in the territories where they operate, including pharmaceutical advertising regulations, medical device promotion standards, and consumer protection laws.

Flobstar will review sponsored content submissions for compliance before publication and may require revisions, corrections, or the removal of specific claims as a condition of publication.

Review and Approval Process

All advertising submissions, including display creatives, newsletter sponsorship materials, sponsored content drafts, and event alignment materials, are subject to review before publication or distribution.

Flobstar aims to complete initial reviews within 2 to 7 business days depending on the format. Sponsored content requires a minimum review period of 7 to 10 business days.

Submissions are reviewed for compliance with this policy, clinical accuracy requirements, and Flobstar's editorial standards. Flobstar may request revisions, decline submissions, or withdraw previously approved materials if standards are not met.

Approval of an advertisement does not constitute Flobstar's endorsement of the advertised product, service, or organisation.

Right to Decline and Withdrawal

Flobstar reserves the right to decline any advertising submission or withdraw any active placement at its sole discretion, without being required to provide a reason. This applies to all advertising formats, including display, newsletter, sponsored content, and event alignments.

An existing or prior commercial relationship does not obligate Flobstar to accept future advertising submissions or to continue a placement that conflicts with its standards.

If Flobstar determines that an active placement violates its advertising policy or clinical accuracy standards, the placement will be removed and the advertiser will be notified. Removal decisions are final and are not subject to editorial negotiation.

Policy Updates

This advertising policy is reviewed and updated periodically. Advertisers with active campaigns at the time of a policy update will be notified of material changes that affect their existing placements.

The effective version of this policy is the one published at this URL at the time of an advertising engagement. Advertisers are responsible for reviewing this policy before submitting materials.

For questions about this policy or to discuss a specific advertising proposal, contact the Flobstar advertising desk at advertise@flobstar.com.

For advertising enquiries, media kit requests, or policy questions, contact the Flobstar advertising desk.