AI & Editorial Assistance Policy
Our Approach
The Elsenham Herald uses technology to support the production of high-quality local journalism while recognising that editorial responsibility can never be delegated to artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence (AI) may assist certain parts of our editorial workflow, but every article published by the Elsenham Herald is subject to human editorial review.
Responsibility for all published content remains with the Editor.
How AI May Be Used
AI may be used to assist with tasks such as:
- Organising research.
- Summarising lengthy public documents.
- Improving grammar, spelling and readability.
- Assisting with article structure.
- Generating headline ideas.
- Formatting content for publication.
- Assisting with website development and digital publishing.
- Supporting administrative tasks.
AI is used as an editorial tool, not as a replacement for editorial judgement.
Human Editorial Oversight
A human editor reviews every article published by the Elsenham Herald before publication.
The Editor is responsible for:
- deciding what is published;
- verifying factual information;
- assessing sources;
- ensuring articles meet our Editorial Standards;
- making all final editorial decisions.
AI does not determine editorial priorities or publishing decisions.
Verification of Information
Artificial intelligence can occasionally generate inaccurate, outdated or misleading information.
For this reason, information suggested by AI is never accepted without independent verification.
Wherever practical, our reporting is checked against reliable sources such as:
- Parish Council agendas and minutes;
- Planning applications and planning decisions;
- Uttlesford District Council publications;
- Essex County Council publications;
- Government documents;
- Official statistics;
- Public records;
- Direct statements from relevant organisations or individuals.
Primary sources are preferred wherever reasonably available.
Local Journalism
The Elsenham Herald is committed to genuine local reporting.
AI is not used as a substitute for:
- attending meetings;
- speaking with residents;
- contacting organisations for comment;
- reviewing official documents;
- exercising editorial judgement.
Technology supports our work, but local journalism depends upon human reporting, verification and accountability.
Opinion and Commentary
Where opinion or editorial content is published, any use of AI is limited to editorial assistance such as proofreading, formatting or improving clarity.
The opinions expressed remain those of the author following human review.
Images and Visual Content
AI-generated images may occasionally be used for illustrative purposes where no authentic photograph is available.
Where appropriate, AI-generated or materially AI-altered images will be identified to avoid misleading readers.
Photographs used in news reporting should accurately represent the events or subjects being reported.
Transparency
We believe readers should understand how technology is used within our newsroom.
Accordingly:
- AI is used only as an editorial assistance tool.
- Human editorial oversight is maintained throughout the publishing process.
- Editorial responsibility always remains with the Editor.
- Significant factual claims are independently verified before publication.
Copyright and Intellectual Property
The Elsenham Herald respects copyright and intellectual property rights.
AI tools are not knowingly used to reproduce copyrighted material without permission.
Original journalism, photographs, graphics and creative work published by the Elsenham Herald remain the intellectual property of Knelstrom Ltd unless otherwise stated.
Continuous Review
Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, and so are the standards surrounding its responsible use.
We will continue to review this policy to ensure our editorial practices remain transparent, accountable and consistent with developments in technology and journalism.
Our Commitment
Technology can help improve efficiency, but it cannot replace responsible journalism.
The Elsenham Herald will continue to use AI carefully, responsibly and transparently while ensuring that every article reflects human editorial judgement, independent verification and a commitment to serving the local community.
Related Policies
- Editorial Standards
- Ethics Policy
- Corrections Policy
- Right of Reply
- Complaints Procedure
- Transparency & Funding
Publisher: Knelstrom Ltd
Editor: Martin Foskett
Last Updated: 3 July 2026