Editorial policy

Rural News Network aims to make rural civic subjects clear without making them simpler than they are. We distinguish explanation from opinion, avoid presenting general information as professional advice and take responsibility for correcting errors.

Accuracy and context

We check factual claims against suitable information before publication and make the scope of an explanation clear. A general account is not a substitute for checking the details of a specific service, decision or place. Where uncertainty or variation matters, we say so rather than filling gaps with confident guesses.

Independence

Editorial choices are made for their relevance to readers and the subject matter. A partnership or commercial relationship does not buy an editorial conclusion, favourable coverage or an unmarked recommendation. Any material prepared with a partner is identified clearly so readers can distinguish it from independent editorial work.

Corrections

If a published item contains an error, we review the specific claim and correct it when warranted. Readers can use the Contact page to identify the article and passage in question. Corrections should make the changed information understandable; we do not treat a correction as a reason to hide the original mistake.

Images and illustration

Some illustrations may be generated with artificial intelligence. When an image is illustrative rather than a documentary depiction, it should not be mistaken for evidence of a real person, event or place. Captions and presentation should make that distinction clear where it matters.