Editorial Policy

This policy explains how Newsdigest selects, summarises, labels, updates and corrects coverage. It applies to editorial briefs, category pages, county and country hubs, topic pages and reader submissions.

Story selection

We prioritise developments with clear public relevance, including government decisions, community affairs, business and economic changes, sport, technology, climate, property, culture and major international events. Selection considers significance, timeliness, reader usefulness and whether the underlying information can be verified.

Sources and verification

Writers should prefer primary and authoritative sources whenever practical: official statements, public records, direct announcements, published reports and attributable on-record reporting. A single unverified social post is not sufficient evidence for a factual claim. Important or disputed claims should be checked against additional reliable material.

How summaries are written

Newsdigest briefs are rewritten in original language. They should preserve the essential facts and context without reproducing a source article. Each brief is expected to provide a concise opening, useful points and a concluding line explaining why the story matters or what happens next.

• Headlines must accurately reflect the brief.
• Opinion, allegation and confirmed fact must not be presented as the same thing.
• Uncertainty should be stated clearly.
• Dates, locations, organisations and public figures should be checked.

Automation and AI assistance

Technology may help discover sources, remove duplication, suggest categories, generate draft summaries and identify keywords. It does not remove editorial accountability. Drafts should be checked for accuracy, attribution, unsupported claims, misleading emphasis and accidental copying before publication.

Commercial content

Advertising, partnerships and sponsored material should be distinguishable from independent editorial coverage. A commercial relationship must not guarantee positive reporting or prevent legitimate corrections.

Updates and corrections

Developing stories may change after publication. Briefs can be updated when new verified facts become available. Material mistakes should be corrected as soon as reasonably possible; the Corrections Policy explains how readers can report an issue.

Fairness and harm

Coverage should avoid needless intrusion, discrimination and sensational treatment. Where an allegation could seriously affect a person or organisation, relevant context and responses should be represented fairly when available.