Code of Ethics

Last Updated: February 18, 2026

At Bolton Today, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism. Our Code of Ethics guides every aspect of our reporting, ensuring accuracy, fairness, transparency, and accountability in all content published for the Bolton community and the wider UK audience.

Accuracy and Verification

We prioritize factual accuracy in all reporting. Our journalists and editors:

• Verify information using authoritative sources

• Confirm statements with primary sources whenever possible

• Cross-check claims before publication

• Correct errors promptly and transparently

We do not knowingly publish false, misleading, or manipulated content.

Independence and Editorial Integrity

Bolton Today maintains full editorial independence. This means:

• Editorial decisions are free from influence by advertisers, sponsors, or political entities

• Sponsored or commercial content is clearly labeled and separated from news content

• Our newsroom operates without pressure to favor specific interests

We ensure that our reporting serves the public interest, not external agendas.

Fairness and Impartiality

Our journalists strive to:

• Report news objectively and without bias

• Present all relevant sides of a story

• Avoid personal or organizational conflicts of interest

• Ensure opinions and editorials are clearly labeled and distinguished from factual reporting

Respect and Privacy

We respect the dignity and privacy of individuals. Our commitment includes:

• Avoiding unnecessary intrusion into private lives

• Protecting minors and vulnerable individuals

• Adhering to UK data protection laws and regulations

• Using sensitive judgment when reporting on crime, health, or tragedy

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence

If AI tools are used in content creation:

• AI is only a support tool, not a decision-maker

• Human editors review and verify all AI-assisted content

• Accuracy, fairness, and editorial responsibility remain fully with Bolton Today

This ensures our content maintains journalistic integrity while responsibly leveraging technology.

Transparency and Accountability

We value reader trust and maintain transparency by:

• Clearly attributing information to original sources

• Disclosing corrections and updates when errors occur

• Providing a clear channel for readers to report inaccuracies, complaints, or feedback

• Being accountable for all editorial decisions and published content

Commitment to Ethical Journalism

Bolton Today journalists and editors pledge to:

• Uphold honesty, accuracy, and fairness in reporting

• Avoid sensationalism, clickbait, and misleading headlines

• Maintain a clear distinction between news, opinion, and analysis

• Respect copyright laws and intellectual property

• Serve the Bolton community and wider UK readership responsibly