Editorial standards
How we report, how we stay independent, and what you can expect from every story we publish.
Accuracy comes first
We check facts before we publish. Where possible we confirm information with more than one source, and we say clearly when something is not yet confirmed. If we cannot stand behind a claim, we do not publish it.
Independence
Our reporting is decided by our editorial team alone. Advertisers, sponsors, partners and public officials do not see, shape or approve our journalism before it is published.
Fairness and right of reply
When a story makes a serious claim about a person or organisation, we give them a fair chance to respond before publication, and we include their response or note that they declined to comment.
Sources
We name our sources whenever we can. We only grant anonymity when a source faces real risk by speaking openly and the information is important to the public. When we do, we explain why.
News, opinion and sponsored content
We keep these clearly apart so you always know what you are reading:
- News and explainers report and explain what happened.
- Commentary is labelled as opinion and reflects the view of the writer.
- Sponsored content is paid for and is always marked as sponsored.
Community voices
We actively seek out residents and groups who are rarely heard. Amplifying a voice is not the same as endorsing it, and we apply the same checks to every claim.
Mistakes
We correct errors openly and quickly. Read how on our Corrections page.