Sponsored Content Policy

1. Purpose & Scope

BroadwayWorld is the world's largest theatre community, trusted by millions of readers for authoritative coverage of Broadway, national tours, regional theatre, and the broader performing arts. Our editorial voice and audience trust are our most valuable assets.

This policy governs all paid, sponsored, and commercially supported content published on BroadwayWorld and its affiliated channels — including website articles, newsletters, social media posts, video features, and podcast segments. Any content where a commercial relationship exists between BroadwayWorld and a partner, sponsor, or advertiser is subject to these guidelines.

By entering into a sponsored content arrangement with BroadwayWorld, partners agree to the terms and conditions set out in this policy.

2. Editorial Approval

All sponsored content — without exception — requires review and written approval from BroadwayWorld editorial leadership before publication. This requirement applies regardless of the source, format, or commercial terms of the content.

2.1 Approval Process

The standard editorial review process is as follows:

  • Partner submits a content brief, draft, or assets to the BroadwayWorld partnerships team at least [5] business days prior to the desired publication date.
  • The editorial team reviews the submission for compliance with this policy, including subject matter relevance, tone, style, and accuracy.
  • BroadwayWorld may request revisions. Partners are expected to respond to revision requests within [5] business days.
  • Final editorial approval is issued in writing by the Editor-in-Chief or their designated representative. No content may be published without this written sign-off.
  • BroadwayWorld reserves the right to decline, delay, or withdraw approval for any content at its sole editorial discretion.

2.2 Right of Refusal

BroadwayWorld retains the absolute right to refuse, revise, or remove any sponsored content that, in the editorial team's judgment, conflicts with the integrity, accuracy, or values of the publication — regardless of any commercial arrangement previously agreed.

3. Eligible Subject Matter

Sponsored content must be directly relevant to the interests and expectations of the BroadwayWorld audience. Acceptable subject matter is limited to the following performing arts and entertainment categories:

  • Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre
  • National tours and regional / community theatre
  • Musical theatre and spoken-word performance
  • Opera and operetta
  • Dance — including ballet, contemporary, tap, and theatrical dance
  • Classical music and orchestral performance
  • Film and television
  • Music — albums, artists, and live events
  • Arts education, training, and talent development
  • Products and services directly relevant to theatre professionals or audiences (e.g., ticketing, streaming platforms, theatrical publications, awards bodies)

Content outside these categories will not be accepted, regardless of the commercial value of the partnership. When in doubt, partners should contact the BroadwayWorld partnerships team before preparing a submission.

4. Tone, Style & Organic Fit

Sponsored content must feel native to BroadwayWorld. Our readers are knowledgeable, passionate, and discerning — they will immediately recognise content that feels out of place. Partners should familiarise themselves with BroadwayWorld's editorial voice before preparing submissions.

4.1 Voice & Style Requirements

  • Content must be written in a tone consistent with BroadwayWorld's editorial style: informed, enthusiastic, and respectful of the art form and its practitioners.
  • Promotional language that feels like advertising copy — including hyperbole, hollow superlatives, or hard-sell messaging — is not permitted in editorial-style sponsored content.
  • All claims must be accurate, substantiated, and fair. Inaccuracies, exaggerations, or misleading statements will result in content being withheld or removed.
  • Content should read as genuinely valuable to the reader — not merely as a vehicle for a commercial message.
  • Brand mentions must be integrated naturally. Gratuitous or repeated brand insertions that disrupt the editorial flow are not permitted.

4.2 Formatting & Presentation

  • Sponsored content must conform to BroadwayWorld's standard editorial formatting templates, including headline style, image specifications, byline treatment, and body copy structure.
  • The BroadwayWorld editorial team may adjust formatting, headlines, subheadings, and photo captions to ensure consistency with site presentation standards.
  • Partner-supplied imagery must be high-quality and relevant to the content. Imagery that is purely promotional in nature (e.g., product shots without contextual relevance) may be declined.

5. Disclosure & Transparency

BroadwayWorld is committed to full transparency with its readers. All sponsored content will be clearly and conspicuously labelled in accordance with applicable FTC guidelines and industry best practices.

  • Every piece of sponsored content will carry a clear disclosure label such as "Sponsored," "Presented by [Partner]," or "Partner Content" — placed prominently at the top of the content.
  • The existence of a commercial relationship will never be concealed or obscured in any way.
  • Sponsored content will not be designed to mimic BroadwayWorld news or review content in a manner intended to mislead readers.
  • BroadwayWorld's editorial opinions and star ratings are entirely independent and are never available for commercial influence. Sponsored content and editorial reviews are strictly separate.

6. Prohibited Content

The following types of content are expressly prohibited and will not be accepted under any circumstances:

  • Content unrelated to theatre, music, opera, dance, ballet, classical arts, film, or television
  • Content that disparages any performer, production, creative team, or institution
  • Misleading, false, or unsubstantiated claims about any product, service, or production
  • Content that mimics BroadwayWorld editorial reviews or star ratings
  • Political or partisan content of any kind
  • Content targeting minors in an inappropriate manner
  • Content that violates any applicable law, regulation, or third-party rights
  • Content submitted without sufficient lead time for editorial review

7. Partner Responsibilities

  • Partners are responsible for ensuring that all submitted content and assets are original, accurate, and do not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights.
  • Partners must obtain all necessary rights, clearances, and permissions for images, video, audio, and quoted material included in submitted content.
  • Partners may not publish or distribute the content independently prior to or without BroadwayWorld's written approval.
  • Partners agree not to misrepresent the nature of the commercial relationship in any external communications.
  • Any material changes to approved content — including updates, corrections, or additions — must be submitted for re-approval before publication.