Advertising, Sponsored Content & Affiliate Policy

Version: 1.0
Effective Date: June 2026
Publisher: Catherine Kearney Solutions Limited trading as Kearney News
Website: Kearney News

1. Introduction

Kearney News is committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of our readers through transparency, integrity, and editorial independence.

This Advertising, Sponsored Content & Affiliate Policy explains how commercial content is handled across our website, newsletters, social media channels, mobile services, and any other platforms operated by Kearney News.

This policy supports our commitment to:

• Editorial independence
• Transparency
• Consumer protection
• Responsible advertising
• Compliance with UK law
• Compliance with the IPSO Editors’ Code of Practice
• Compliance with the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code)

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Display advertising
• Programmatic advertising
• Direct advertising sales
• Sponsored content
• Commercial partnerships
• Brand collaborations
• Native advertising
• Affiliate marketing
• Sponsored newsletters
• Sponsored social media content
• Advertorials
• Promotional competitions and giveaways

3. Editorial Independence

Kearney News maintains complete editorial independence.

Editorial decisions are made solely by our editorial team and are never influenced by:

• Advertisers
• Sponsors
• Commercial partners
• Donors
• Affiliate programmes
• Political organisations
• Government bodies
• Third parties

Commercial relationships do not determine whether a story is published, amended, delayed or removed.

Advertising revenue does not influence editorial content.

4. Separation of Editorial and Commercial Content

We maintain a clear distinction between editorial and commercial material.

Readers must always be able to distinguish between:

• News reporting
• Editorial content
• Opinion pieces
• Sponsored content
• Advertisements
• Affiliate content

Commercial material will never be deliberately disguised as independent journalism.

5. Advertising Standards

All advertising accepted by Kearney News must:

• Be legal.
• Be decent.
• Be honest.
• Be truthful.
• Comply with applicable UK legislation.
• Comply with ASA and CAP Code requirements.
• Respect consumer protection laws.

Advertisers remain responsible for ensuring claims made in advertisements are accurate and substantiated.

6. Right to Refuse Advertising

Kearney News reserves the right to refuse, reject, suspend, amend or remove advertising at our sole discretion.

We may refuse advertising that:

• Is unlawful.
• Is misleading.
• Is offensive.
• Promotes discrimination.
• Promotes hatred.
• Promotes violence.
• Contains false claims.
• Damages our reputation.
• Conflicts with our editorial values.

Acceptance of advertising in the past does not guarantee future acceptance.

7. Prohibited Advertising Categories

Kearney News may refuse advertising relating to:

• Illegal products or services.
• Fraudulent schemes.
• Misleading financial promotions.
• Unlicensed gambling.
• Counterfeit products.
• Hate organisations.
• Extremist organisations.
• Discriminatory content.
• Illegal drugs.
• Unlawful weapons.
• Adult content.
• Content likely to cause significant harm.

Additional restrictions may apply where required by law or regulation.

8. Political Advertising

Political advertising may be accepted only where lawful and appropriately identified.

Kearney News reserves the right to reject political advertising at its discretion.

Any accepted political advertising must comply with applicable electoral law and advertising regulations.

Acceptance of political advertising does not imply endorsement.

9. Sponsored Content

Sponsored content refers to content produced in collaboration with or funded by a commercial organisation, public body, charity or other third party.

Sponsored content may include:

• Articles
• Features
• Interviews
• Guides
• Videos
• Podcasts
• Newsletters
• Social media posts

Sponsored content will always be clearly labelled.

Examples include:

• “Sponsored”
• “Paid Partnership”
• “Advertisement Feature”
• “Promoted Content”

Labels will be clear and prominently displayed.

10. Native Advertising

Where advertising is designed to resemble editorial content, additional steps will be taken to ensure readers understand the content is commercial in nature.

Native advertising will include clear disclosures.

Readers should never be misled into believing paid content is independent editorial reporting.

11. Affiliate Marketing

Kearney News participates in affiliate marketing programmes.

Affiliate links may appear in:

• Reviews
• Buying guides
• Product roundups
• Feature articles
• Newsletters

If a reader clicks an affiliate link and makes a purchase, Kearney News may receive a commission.

There is no additional cost to the reader.

12. Affiliate Editorial Integrity

Affiliate relationships do not influence editorial decisions.

Products, services and organisations may be reviewed regardless of whether an affiliate relationship exists.

Journalists and contributors must not alter editorial opinions in exchange for commissions or benefits.

Editorial recommendations must reflect genuine assessments.

13. Affiliate Disclosure

Where affiliate links are used, readers will be informed through a disclosure statement.

Example disclosure:

“We may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this article. This does not affect our editorial independence or the price you pay.”

Disclosures will be clear and easy to understand.

14. Product Reviews

Reviews must be honest and based on genuine experience, research or testing.

Where products have been supplied free of charge, this will be disclosed where relevant.

Receipt of products does not guarantee favourable coverage.

15. Commercial Partnerships

Kearney News may enter into commercial partnerships with organisations.

Partnerships may include:

• Sponsorship agreements
• Event sponsorship
• Content collaborations
• Advertising arrangements

Commercial partnerships do not confer editorial influence.

16. Competitions and Giveaways

Competitions and giveaways promoted through Kearney News must:

• Comply with UK law.
• Have clear terms and conditions.
• Explain eligibility requirements.
• Explain prize details.
• Explain winner selection processes.

Sponsored prizes will be disclosed.

17. Programmatic Advertising

Kearney News may use third-party advertising technology providers including:

• Google AdSense
• Google Ad Manager
• Advertising exchanges
• Advertising networks

Advertisements displayed through these systems may be personalised based on user preferences and consent choices.

Users can manage advertising-related cookies through our Cookie Policy and Consent Management Platform.

18. Data Protection

Advertising activities involving personal data will be conducted in accordance with:

• UK GDPR
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)

Further information is available within our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

19. Accessibility

Kearney News is committed to making commercial content accessible.

We will seek to ensure advertising and sponsored content:

• Is clearly identifiable.
• Is understandable.
• Does not deliberately exclude disabled users.
• Meets accessibility standards where reasonably practicable.

As a Disability Confident organisation, we recognise the importance of inclusive communication.

20. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Advertising and sponsored content must not promote discrimination or unlawful prejudice.

Kearney News supports equality, diversity and inclusion and expects advertisers to respect these principles.

21. Armed Forces Covenant Commitment

As a supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant, Kearney News values the contribution of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families.

Advertising content that unfairly exploits or discriminates against members of the Armed Forces community may be refused.

22. Complaints

Concerns relating to advertising, sponsored content or affiliate disclosures may be submitted to:

Email: privacy.compliance@kearneynews.press

Postal Address:
Kearney News
82 Firsby Court
Hemlington
TS8 9LA

Complaints will be reviewed fairly and in accordance with our Complaints Policy.

23. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where required by changes in:

• Legislation
• Regulatory guidance
• IPSO requirements
• ASA requirements
• Business operations

Contact Information

Kearney News
A trading name of Catherine Kearney Solutions Limited

Address: 82 Firsby Court, Hemlington, TS8 9LA

Email: privacy.compliance@kearneynews.press

© Kearney News. All rights reserved.