Editorial Standards

Our Commitment

The Elsenham Herald is committed to producing accurate, fair, independent and responsible local journalism.

We believe our readers deserve reporting that is trustworthy, transparent and focused on the issues that matter to our community. These Editorial Standards explain the principles that guide our reporting and editorial decision-making.

Accuracy

Accuracy is the foundation of everything we publish.

We take reasonable steps to verify information before publication using reliable sources. Wherever practical, we seek to confirm facts through:

  • official council documents;
  • planning applications;
  • government publications;
  • public records;
  • direct statements;
  • eyewitness accounts;
  • interviews; and
  • Other credible sources.

If we cannot independently verify information, we will make this clear or choose not to publish.

Independence

The Elsenham Herald is published independently by Knelstrom Ltd.

Editorial decisions are made independently and are not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, political parties, campaign groups or other external interests.

Our responsibility is to our readers and the community we serve.

Fairness

We aim to report fairly, accurately and with appropriate context.

Where practical and appropriate, individuals and organisations who are the subject of significant criticism or allegations will be given a reasonable opportunity to comment before publication.

We believe readers are best served when relevant perspectives are represented fairly.

Community Focus

As a community newspaper, our reporting is centred on the people, organisations and issues affecting Elsenham and the surrounding area.

We report on matters including:

  • Parish Council and local government;
  • planning and development;
  • transport and infrastructure;
  • schools and education;
  • local businesses;
  • charities and community groups;
  • public safety;
  • environmental issues;
  • sport and recreation;
  • heritage and local history.

We seek to reflect both the challenges and achievements of our community.

News and Opinion

The Elsenham Herald primarily publishes factual news reporting.

Where opinion, editorial or commentary is published, it will be clearly identified so that readers can distinguish it from factual reporting.

Sources

Wherever practical, we prefer primary sources.

These include:

  • council agendas and minutes;
  • planning documents;
  • official correspondence;
  • public consultation documents;
  • government publications;
  • direct interviews;
  • official statistics.

Anonymous sources may be used only where there is a clear public interest and legitimate reasons to protect the source’s identity.

Corrections

If we publish a significant factual error, we will correct it promptly and transparently.

Readers are encouraged to report inaccuracies through our Contact page.

Our approach is explained in our Corrections Policy.

Right of Reply

We recognise that individuals and organisations should have an opportunity to respond where our reporting contains significant criticism or allegations.

Requests for a right of reply are considered fairly and in accordance with our published Right of Reply Policy.

Transparency

We aim to be transparent about:

  • authorship;
  • publication dates;
  • significant updates;
  • corrections;
  • our editorial policies;
  • Our ownership.

Readers can learn more through our Transparency & Funding page.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence may assist aspects of our editorial workflow, including editing, formatting and research organisation.

A human editor reviews every article before publication.

Editorial responsibility always remains with the Editor.

Further information can be found in our AI & Editorial Assistance Policy.

Photography and Images

Photographs published by the Elsenham Herald should accurately represent the events or subjects being reported.

Where archive photographs or illustrative images are used, this will be made clear where appropriate.

Images will not be manipulated in a way that materially misrepresents events.

Privacy

We recognise the importance of balancing the public interest with individual privacy.

We take particular care when reporting on children, vulnerable individuals and sensitive community matters.

Editorial decisions are made based on applicable law, ethical standards, and the public interest.

Community Engagement

We welcome story suggestions, corrections and constructive feedback from our readers.

Local journalism is strongest when it reflects the community it serves, and we encourage residents, businesses, schools, charities and community organisations to contribute news and information.

Complaints

We take complaints seriously and consider them fairly, independently and respectfully.

Our Complaints Procedure explains how we review concerns and respond.

Editorial Responsibility

Responsibility for all editorial content rests with the Editor.

Editorial decisions are guided by:

  • accuracy;
  • fairness;
  • verification;
  • legal considerations;
  • the public interest; and
  • The needs of our community.

Our Principles

These principles guide everything we publish:

  • Accuracy before speed.
  • Fairness before assumption.
  • Evidence before speculation.
  • Transparency wherever possible.
  • Independence in editorial decision-making.
  • Accountability through published corrections.
  • Respect for our readers and our community.

These principles reflect our commitment to producing trusted local journalism that serves Elsenham and the surrounding communities with integrity, accuracy and responsibility.

Publisher: Knelstrom Ltd

Editor: Martin Foskett

Last Updated: 3 July 2026

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