Ethics Policy
Our Commitment
The Elsenham Herald is committed to producing journalism that is honest, independent, accurate and conducted in the public interest.
As a community newspaper, we recognise the trust that residents place in us. Our reporting can directly affect individuals, businesses, organisations and public bodies, and we therefore aim to act responsibly, fairly and transparently in everything we publish.
This Ethics Policy explains the principles that guide our editorial decisions and complements our Editorial Standards, Corrections Policy, Right of Reply and Complaints Procedure.
Editorial 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 first responsibility is to our readers and the community we serve.
Accuracy and Truthfulness
We aim to ensure that all published information is accurate at the time of publication.
Wherever practical, factual claims are verified using reliable and, where possible, primary sources.
These may include:
- Parish Council agendas and minutes;
- Planning applications and planning decisions;
- Government publications;
- Public records;
- Official statements;
- Direct interviews;
- Official statistics.
If significant factual errors are identified, they will be corrected promptly in accordance with our Corrections Policy.
Fairness
We seek to report fairly, honestly and with appropriate context.
Where practical and appropriate, individuals or organisations who are the subject of significant criticism or allegations will be offered a reasonable opportunity to comment before publication.
Fairness does not require every viewpoint to be given equal prominence, but it does require accurate representation of the relevant facts.
Public Interest
Editorial decisions are guided by the public interest rather than public curiosity.
Examples of matters that may justify publication include:
- Local government accountability.
- Planning and development.
- Public safety.
- Community wellbeing.
- Environmental issues.
- Responsible use of public funds.
- Matters affecting residents.
The existence of public interest does not remove our responsibility to report fairly and accurately.
News and Opinion
The Elsenham Herald primarily publishes factual news reporting.
Where opinion or editorial content is published, it will be clearly identified so readers can distinguish commentary from factual reporting.
Opinion should never be presented as fact.
Sources
We prefer primary sources wherever reasonably practical.
Anonymous sources may be used only where there is a legitimate public interest and disclosure of the source’s identity could expose them to harm or discourage important information from coming forward.
Where anonymity is granted, the Editor will normally know the identity of the source unless exceptional circumstances make this impossible.
Conflicts of Interest
Personal, financial or political interests should never influence editorial decisions.
Where an actual or perceived conflict of interest exists, appropriate steps will be taken to manage or disclose it.
Commercial relationships will not determine editorial coverage.
Gifts and Hospitality
The Elsenham Herald does not accept gifts, hospitality or benefits that could reasonably be seen as influencing editorial judgement.
Modest hospitality, when connected with legitimate journalistic activity, may be accepted where it does not compromise independence.
Advertising and Sponsored Content
Advertising and editorial content must remain clearly separate.
Any sponsored content, paid partnerships or promotional material will be clearly identified.
Advertisers do not influence editorial decisions or news coverage.
Privacy
We recognise that individuals have a legitimate expectation of privacy.
When reporting on private individuals, we seek to balance privacy with the public interest.
Special care is taken when reporting on:
- Children.
- Vulnerable individuals.
- Victims of crime or accidents.
- Sensitive community matters.
Respect for the Community
We believe local journalism should strengthen communities rather than divide them.
We aim to treat residents, businesses, charities, volunteers, schools and public bodies with courtesy and respect, while remaining willing to ask difficult questions when in the public interest.
Constructive scrutiny is an important part of independent journalism.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence may assist aspects of our editorial workflow, including editing, formatting and research support.
A human editor reviews every published article before publication.
Editorial responsibility always remains with the Editor.
Further information is available in our AI & Editorial Assistance Policy.
Accountability
Responsible journalism requires accountability.
Where genuine mistakes occur, we will acknowledge and correct them openly.
Readers also have access to our:
- Corrections Policy;
- Right of Reply
- Complaints Procedure;
- Transparency & Funding Policy.
These policies form part of our commitment to responsible local journalism.
Continuous Improvement
Journalism and community expectations evolve.
We regularly review our editorial practices to ensure they remain consistent with our commitment to accuracy, fairness, transparency and accountability.
Our Ethical Principles
The following principles guide everything published by the Elsenham Herald:
- Accuracy.
- Independence.
- Fairness.
- Transparency.
- Accountability.
- Respect.
- Community service.
- Evidence-based reporting.
- Clear separation of news and opinion.
- Acting in the public interest.
These principles underpin every editorial decision we make and reflect our commitment to providing trusted local journalism for Elsenham and the surrounding communities.
Related Policies
- Editorial Standards
- Corrections Policy
- Right of Reply
- Complaints Procedure
- AI & Editorial Assistance Policy
- Transparency & Funding
Publisher: Knelstrom Ltd
Editor: Martin Foskett
Last Updated: 3 July 2026