Editorial Guidelines
The principles that guide every story we publish — so you know you can trust what you read.
How we write our journalism
The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis. Every article is researched and written by our editorial team in our own words — we do not republish or syndicate other outlets' copy. We verify the facts of a story against multiple established sources before we publish, and where our work draws on another outlet's primary reporting we credit and link it. Our goal on every story is the same: report the facts accurately, then add clearly-written, impartial analysis that helps readers understand why the story matters. See our Disclaimer for more.
Impartiality
We are non-partisan. We do not endorse parties, campaigns or causes, and we approach every story without a political agenda. Our analysis weighs the strongest arguments on each side and lets readers draw their own conclusions.
Accuracy
We strive to be accurate in all our reporting. We verify information before publication, attribute claims clearly, and distinguish between established fact, allegation and opinion. Where significant facts are disputed, we say so.
Independence
Our journalism is independent. Editorial decisions are made free from the influence of advertisers, commercial partners, owners or political interests. Advertising and sponsored content are always clearly labelled and kept separate from our reporting.
Fairness and balance
We report stories fairly and give those criticised a reasonable opportunity to respond. We seek out a range of perspectives and avoid misleading emphasis or selective quotation.
Comment and opinion
Opinion pieces are clearly marked as such and reflect the views of their authors. We keep a clear line between news reporting and comment.
Sources
We protect confidential sources. Where we rely on anonymous sources, we do so carefully and only when there is a clear public interest and the information is corroborated.
Corrections
When we get something wrong, we put it right promptly and transparently through our corrections process.
Respect and privacy
We respect individuals' privacy and report with sensitivity, intruding only where there is a genuine public interest. We take particular care in our coverage of children, grief and vulnerable people.
Get in touch
If you believe we have fallen short of these standards, contact us at info@thenetimes.co.uk.