Kearney News Contributor Policy

Version: 1.0
Effective Date: June 2026

Publisher: Catherine Kearney Solutions Limited trading as Kearney News

1. Introduction

Kearney News welcomes contributions from journalists, freelance writers, community reporters, charities, experts, campaign groups, readers and members of the public.

This Contributor Policy sets out the standards, responsibilities and expectations that apply to anyone submitting content for publication through Kearney News.

Our goal is to encourage diverse voices while maintaining high editorial standards, legal compliance and public trust.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

News articles
Opinion pieces
Features
Community reports
Investigations
Interviews
Letters to the Editor
Commentary articles
Local interest stories
Event reports
Guest columns
Photographs and multimedia submissions

3. Editorial Standards

All contributors must support Kearney News’ commitment to:

Accuracy
Fairness
Transparency
Independence
Accountability
Responsible journalism

Contributors are expected to follow standards consistent with the Editors’ Code of Practice and Kearney News Editorial Standards Policy.

4. Accuracy and Verification

Contributors must take reasonable steps to ensure information is accurate before submission.

This includes:

Verifying factual claims.
Using reliable sources.
Confirming dates, names and locations.
Distinguishing facts from opinions.
Correcting known errors promptly.

Contributors must not knowingly submit false or misleading information.

5. Sources

Contributors should:

Use credible sources.
Verify information where possible.
Retain supporting evidence where appropriate.
Protect confidential sources responsibly.

Anonymous sources should only be used where there is a genuine journalistic reason.

Kearney News may request additional information before publication.

6. Opinion and Comment

Opinion pieces are welcome but must be clearly identified as opinion.

Opinion articles should:

Be based on facts.
Avoid personal attacks.
Remain respectful.
Contribute constructively to public debate.

Publication of an opinion article does not necessarily reflect the views of Kearney News.

7. Legal Responsibilities

Contributors are responsible for ensuring their submissions comply with applicable law.

Content must not:

Be defamatory.
Be misleading.
Breach copyright.
Breach confidentiality.
Violate privacy rights.
Contain unlawful discrimination.
Incite violence or hatred.
Promote illegal activity.

Kearney News reserves the right to reject content that may create legal risk.

8. Copyright and Ownership

Contributors must own the rights to content they submit or have permission to use it.

This includes:

Written content.
Photographs.
Graphics.
Video content.
Audio content.

By submitting content, contributors confirm they possess the necessary rights and permissions.

9. Licence to Publish

By submitting content to Kearney News, contributors grant Catherine Kearney Solutions Limited a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to:

Publish content.
Edit content.
Republish content.
Archive content.
Promote content.
Display content across Kearney News platforms.

This licence remains in effect unless otherwise agreed in writing.

10. Editorial Review

All submissions are subject to editorial review.

Kearney News may:

Edit content.
Shorten content.
Correct formatting.
Amend headlines.
Request clarification.
Request evidence.
Decline publication.

Editorial decisions are final.

Submission does not guarantee publication.

11. Corrections

If an error is identified after publication:

Contributors should notify Kearney News promptly.
Corrections may be made where appropriate.
Clarifications may be published.
Significant inaccuracies may be corrected with due prominence.

12. Conflicts of Interest

Contributors must disclose any relevant interests that could influence their content.

Examples include:

Employment relationships.
Political affiliations.
Financial interests.
Commercial partnerships.
Family connections.
Sponsorship arrangements.

Failure to disclose conflicts may result in removal of content.

13. Sponsored and Commercial Content

Commercial content must be clearly disclosed.

Contributors must inform Kearney News if content:

Has been paid for.
Has been commissioned by a third party.
Includes affiliate links.
Forms part of a commercial partnership.

Sponsored content will be labelled appropriately.

14. Privacy and Personal Information

Contributors must respect the privacy of individuals.

Extra care should be taken when content involves:

Children.
Vulnerable adults.
Victims of crime.
Sensitive personal information.

Personal information should only be included where lawful and justified.

15. Safeguarding

Contributors must exercise particular care when reporting on:

Children.
Young people.
Vulnerable adults.
Sensitive welfare issues.

Kearney News may decline content that raises safeguarding concerns.

16. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Kearney News welcomes contributors from all backgrounds.

Contributors should avoid:

Discriminatory language.
Prejudicial statements.
Harmful stereotypes.
Unnecessary references to protected characteristics.

We encourage inclusive and respectful reporting.

17. Disability Inclusion

As an organisation committed to disability inclusion, Kearney News encourages accurate and respectful representation of disabled people.

Contributors should:

Use appropriate language.
Avoid stereotypes.
Promote dignity and respect.
Consider accessibility when providing content.

18. Armed Forces Covenant Commitment

Kearney News supports the Armed Forces Covenant.

Contributors reporting on:

Serving personnel.
Veterans.
Reservists.
Military families.

should do so accurately, fairly and respectfully.

19. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Content

Contributors must disclose if AI tools have been used to generate or substantially assist content.

AI-generated content must:

Be reviewed by a human contributor.
Be fact-checked.
Meet the same editorial standards as all other content.

Kearney News reserves the right to reject AI-generated content that does not meet editorial standards.

20. Contributor Accounts

Contributors may be required to create a Kearney News account.

Contributors are responsible for:

Maintaining accurate account information.
Protecting login credentials.
Updating contact details when necessary.

21. Payments

Where contributor payments are offered:

Payment arrangements will be agreed separately.
Publication does not automatically create entitlement to payment.
Payment terms may vary depending on the contribution type.

Volunteer and community submissions are generally unpaid unless otherwise agreed.

22. Removal of Content

Kearney News reserves the right to remove published content where:

Legal concerns arise.
Significant inaccuracies are identified.
Copyright disputes occur.
Policy breaches are discovered.
Public interest considerations require removal.

23. Data Protection

Contributor information will be processed in accordance with:

UK GDPR
Data Protection Act 2018
Kearney News Privacy Policy

Contributor details may be retained for editorial, legal and administrative purposes.

24. Complaints

Concerns relating to contributor content may be raised through our Complaints Policy.

Contributors may also contact:

Email: privacy.compliance@kearneynews.press

25. Termination of Contributor Access

Kearney News may suspend or terminate contributor privileges where:

This policy is breached.
Legal risks arise.
False information is submitted.
Repeated editorial issues occur.
Misconduct is identified.

26. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to reflect:

Changes in law.
IPSO standards.
Industry best practice.
Operational requirements.

Contact Information

Kearney News
A trading name of Catherine Kearney Solutions Limited

82 Firsby Court
Hemlington
TS8 9LA

Email: privacy.compliance@kearneynews.press

News Article Contributor Policy