Editorial Guidelines

Publisher: Bolton Today
Website:https://boltontoday.co.uk
Effective Date: February 18, 2026
Contact: [[email protected]]

Bolton Today is an independent digital news publisher committed to producing accurate, transparent, and ethical journalism for the Bolton community and the wider UK audience.

These Editorial Guidelines define how our newsroom operates and how editorial decisions are made.

Editorial Mission

Our mission is to provide timely, factual, and impartial news that serves the public interest and strengthens community awareness.

We aim to:

• Inform, not influence

• Report facts, not rumors

• Serve readers with integrity and responsibility

Editorial Independence

Bolton Today maintains full editorial independence.

• Editorial decisions are not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, or political entities

• Commercial content is clearly separated from editorial content

• Sponsored material is labeled transparently

Accuracy and Verification

All content published by Bolton Today must meet strict verification standards:

• Information is confirmed using reliable and authoritative sources

• Primary sources are prioritized whenever available

• Claims are cross-checked before publication

• Headlines must reflect the facts of the article

• Misleading or manipulated content is not permitted

Sources and Attribution

We commit to responsible sourcing:

• All external information is credited to its original source

• Anonymous sources are used only when necessary and justified by public interest

• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited

• Copyright laws are respected

• Distinction is made between fact, analysis, and opinion

Authors and Accountability

Each article includes:

• Author name

• Publication date

• Update date (if applicable)

• Author biography with relevant experience

Editors are responsible for ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with these guidelines.

Content Categories

Bolton Today publishes original content in the following categories:

• Local and regional news

• Politics and public services

• Crime and public safety

• Business and economy

• Education and health

• Culture, sports, and community

Content must be relevant, original, and newsworthy.

Opinion and Editorial Content

Opinion pieces are clearly labeled as “Opinion” or “Editorial”.

They:

• Reflect the views of the author, not Bolton Today

• Are based on factual information

• Must not contain hate speech or personal attacks

• Encourage respectful debate

Corrections and Updates

We are committed to transparency and accountability.

If errors occur:

• Corrections are made promptly

• A correction notice is added where appropriate

• Major changes are disclosed to readers

Sponsored and Commercial Content

Sponsored content is:

• Clearly labeled

• Separate from editorial content

• Produced according to UK advertising standards

Advertisers do not influence newsroom decisions.

Ethical Journalism Standards

Bolton Today adheres to professional ethical standards:

• Respect for privacy and dignity

• Protection of minors and vulnerable individuals

• Responsible reporting of crime and tragedy

• No promotion of hate, violence, or discrimination

• Compliance with UK law and data protection regulations

Use of Artificial Intelligence

If AI tools are used:

• All content is reviewed and edited by human editors

• AI is used as a support tool only

• Editorial responsibility remains with Bolton Today

Prohibited Content

We do not publish:

• False or misleading information

• Clickbait or sensational headlines

• Hate speech or discriminatory material

• Illegal or harmful content

• Medical, legal, or financial advice without qualified sources

We welcome feedback, complaints, and story tips from our readers.

Policy Review and Updates

These Editorial Guidelines are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect:

• Best journalistic practices

• Regulatory requirements

• Platform policies

• Community expectations