Editorial Policy

Lowestoft Wire exists to provide clear, fair and useful local news for Lowestoft and the surrounding area.

Our aim is simple: Local news without the noise.

We cover the issues that affect people's daily lives, including local decisions, regeneration, transport, events, public services, money, sport, community stories and the future of the town.

We are not here to chase rumours, stir up arguments or turn every local issue into a bun fight. Where questions need asking, we will ask them. Where good work deserves recognition, we will say so.

Our editorial approach

Lowestoft Wire aims to be:

Accurate

We make reasonable efforts to check information before publication. Wherever possible, we use official documents, public records, direct statements, event information, council papers, planning documents and other reliable sources.

If something is not confirmed, we will try to make that clear.

Fair

We aim to treat people, organisations, businesses, public bodies and elected representatives fairly.

Where an article raises criticism, concern or unanswered questions about an organisation or public body, we will normally seek a response before publication where practical.

If no response has been received by the time an article is published, we may say so. If a response is received later, the article may be updated.

Politically neutral

Lowestoft Wire is not party political.

We may report on decisions made by councils, MPs, public bodies, political groups or campaigners, but our focus is on facts, public interest and local impact.

We do not support or oppose political parties.

Constructive

We believe local journalism should help people understand what is happening.

That means asking difficult questions when needed, but also avoiding unfair, loaded or hostile framing. We want to inform readers, not inflame them.

Plain English

Many local issues are wrapped in jargon, formal reports and complicated decision-making.

Lowestoft Wire aims to explain what things mean in real life: for residents, families, businesses, services, neighbourhoods and the town's future.

Independence

Lowestoft Wire is independently run.

Editorial decisions are made by Lowestoft Wire.

We do not publish paid-for opinion as news. If advertising, sponsorship or commercial partnerships are introduced in future, paid or sponsored content will be clearly labelled.

Corrections and updates

We take accuracy seriously.

If an article contains an error, lacks important context or needs clarification, readers are encouraged to contact us.

Where a correction is needed, we will update the article as soon as reasonably possible. For significant changes, we may add an update note or correction note to explain what has changed.

Complaints

If you believe an article is inaccurate, unfair or requires correction, please contact Lowestoft Wire through the website contact page.

Please include:

• The article title
• The issue you are concerned about
• Any supporting information or evidence
• Your contact details, if you would like a response

We will review complaints in good faith.

Lowestoft Wire is not currently a member of an external press regulator. This is due to the practical costs and scale of operating as a small independent local news site. However, we still aim to follow clear editorial standards based on accuracy, fairness, accountability and public interest.

Use of AI

Lowestoft Wire may use AI tools to assist with research, planning, summarising public documents, improving readability, checking structure and drafting.

AI does not replace editorial judgement.

Articles are reviewed before publication. We do not knowingly publish AI-generated claims as fact without checking them against reliable sources.

Responsibility for the final published content remains with Lowestoft Wire.

Sources and evidence

We prefer to rely on named, official or verifiable sources wherever possible.

These may include:

• Council documents
• Planning papers
• Public notices
• Government publications
• Transport updates
• Event organisers
• Public body statements
• Direct responses from organisations
• On-the-record comments

Anonymous tips may help point us towards a story, but they are not treated as proof on their own.

Privacy and sensitivity

Lowestoft Wire will take care when dealing with private individuals, children, vulnerable people, bereavement, health matters and sensitive personal information.

We do not aim to intrude into people's private lives unless there is a clear and proportionate public interest reason.

Crime and live incidents

Lowestoft Wire does not aim to chase live crime, emergency incidents or unverified rumours.

Where there is a major public safety issue, road closure, official warning or significant public update, we may report confirmed information from official sources.

We will avoid speculation and will not publish names or identifying details unless there is a clear public interest reason and the information is properly verified.

Images and credits

Where possible, images will be credited.

Images may include original photographs, supplied images, public-domain material, official images, licensed images or AI-assisted visuals where appropriate.

We will not knowingly use copyrighted images without permission, licence or a valid legal basis.

Community standards

Lowestoft Wire wants to support informed local discussion.

We welcome tips, corrections, comments and story ideas, but we will not encourage abuse, harassment, personal attacks or unfounded allegations.

Our focus is Lowestoft: what is happening, why it matters, and what questions remain.

Contact

For corrections, complaints, story tips or general enquiries, please use the contact page on the Lowestoft Wire website.