At Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News, we are committed to delivering trusted, independent journalism that serves the communities of Runcorn, Widnes, and the surrounding areas. This editorial policy sets out the principles, standards, and practices that guide our reporting, ensuring we uphold the highest levels of accuracy, fairness, and responsibility in everything we publish.
Our mission
Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News exists to inform, engage, and empower local residents. We provide free access to breaking news, community updates, specialist investigations, human-interest stories, and local events, always with the aim of reflecting the realities and aspirations of the people we serve.
Editorial independence
Our editorial team operates independently of advertisers, sponsors, political groups, and commercial interests. Decisions about what we report, how we report it, and when we publish are made solely by our editors and journalists based on news value, public interest, and relevance to our audience.
We maintain a strict separation between editorial content and advertising. Sponsored content, where it appears, is always clearly labelled.
Accuracy and fairness
We are committed to reporting the facts accurately, fairly, and without distortion. Our journalists:
- Rely on credible sources and seek verification before publishing
- Strive to present multiple perspectives on complex or contentious issues
- Correct significant errors promptly and transparently when they come to light
We believe fairness also means respecting the dignity of those we report on. We take care to avoid unnecessary harm, especially when covering sensitive issues.
Accountability
We take responsibility for the content we publish. If you have concerns, complaints, or believe we have made a factual or ethical mistake, we encourage you to contact us at editor@runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk. We will review all feedback carefully and, where appropriate, issue corrections or clarifications.
Community engagement
As a local news outlet, we value the input and experiences of our readers. We welcome:
- Story tips, suggestions, and ideas from members of the public
- Reader contributions, including letters, opinion pieces, and photos (subject to editorial review)
- Constructive dialogue in our comments sections and on social media, where we moderate discussions to promote respectful, meaningful exchange
Diversity and inclusion
We strive to ensure our reporting reflects the diversity of our community in terms of voices, stories, and perspectives. We are committed to giving space to underrepresented groups and to covering issues of inclusion and equality with sensitivity and care.
Use of sources
Where possible, we attribute information to named sources. In rare cases where anonymity is necessary (for example, to protect a whistleblower or vulnerable individual), we take steps to assess the credibility of the source and explain to readers why anonymity has been granted.
Ethical standards
Our editorial team adheres to widely accepted standards of professional journalism, including:
- Respecting privacy where appropriate
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
- Declining gifts, favours, or inducements that could compromise integrity
- Distinguishing between fact, analysis, and opinion
Updates to this policy
We may revise this editorial policy as our newsroom evolves or in response to feedback from readers and stakeholders. When we do, we will update the “Effective Date” at the top of this page.
Contact us
For questions or comments about this editorial policy, or to provide feedback on our reporting, please contact:
Editor-in-Chief
Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News
Email: editor@runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk