Editorial Standards & Complaints Policy

Editorial Standards, Complaints & Transparency Policy

1. Editorial Standards Code

Regional Media Group Ltd, publisher of Hailsham News, Eastbourne News, Bexhill News and East Sussex News (online), is committed to delivering fair, accurate and responsible local journalism.

1. Accuracy

We take all reasonable care to ensure that published information is accurate and not misleading. Where significant inaccuracies occur, they will be corrected promptly and clearly.

2. Right of Reply

We will offer a fair opportunity for individuals and organisations to respond where they are subject to criticism or allegations.

3. Privacy

We respect the private and family lives of individuals. Intrusion will only occur where justified by a clear public interest.

4. Harassment

Our journalists will not engage in intimidation, harassment or persistent pursuit.

5. Children and Vulnerable People

We take particular care when reporting on children and vulnerable individuals, ensuring their welfare and rights are protected.

6. Discrimination

We avoid prejudicial or pejorative references to individuals based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation or any protected characteristic.

7. Public Interest

We recognise that publication may be justified in the public interest, including:

  • Detecting or exposing crime
  • Protecting public health and safety
  • Preventing the public from being misled

2. Complaints Procedure

We adhere to the Standards Code adopted by Impress and can only deal with complaints which relate to an alleged breach of the standards set out in this Code.

We can only deal with your complaint if you are:
  • personally and directly affected by an alleged breach of the Code
  • a representative group affected by an alleged breach of the Code, where there is public interest in your complaint
  • a third party seeking to ensure accuracy of published information.
We are also regulated by Impress, but initial complaints must be made to us, using the following details:

Email: complaints@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

We will acknowledge your complaint by e-mail or in writing within 7 calendar days and will normally respond to your complaint with a final decision letter within 21 calendar days. If we uphold your complaint, we will tell you the remedial actions we have taken.
If you are not satisfied with the final response to your complaint, or if you do not hear from us within 21 calendar days of submitting your complaint, then you can refer your complaint to our independent regulator Impress at this link or by contacting them directly using the following information:
W: impressorg.com/complaints
E: complaints@impressorg.com
T: 020 3325 4288


3. Corrections & Clarifications Policy

Regional Media Group Ltd is committed to maintaining accuracy and transparency.

  • Significant errors will be corrected promptly
  • Corrections will be clearly identified and linked to the original article
  • Where appropriate, a clarification or editor’s note will be added
  • Minor updates may be made without notice, but substantive changes will be explained

4. Editorial Transparency

About Regional Media Group Ltd

Regional Media Group Ltd is an independent publisher of hyperlocal newspapers and news websites serving communities across East Sussex.

Our publications include:

  • Hailsham News
  • Eastbourne News
  • Bexhill News

Our Mission

To provide trusted, community-focused journalism that informs, connects and represents local people.

Our Model

We operate a free-to-read, advertising-supported model, ensuring local news remains accessible to all.

Independence

Regional Media Group Ltd is independently owned and operated, with editorial decisions made locally and without external influence.

Accountability

We operate under a published Editorial Standards Code and Complaints Procedure to ensure transparency, trust and accountability.

5. Statement for Advertisers & Stakeholders

Regional Media Group Ltd is committed to professional, transparent and accountable journalism.

We operate under a published Editorial Standards Code and formal Complaints Procedure, ensuring that our publications maintain high standards of accuracy, fairness and public trust.

Our hyperlocal model allows us to directly serve communities while maintaining strong editorial integrity.

6. Implementation Guidance

This policy applies across all publications operated by Regional Media Group Ltd.

A link to this policy should be clearly displayed on each website:

  • Footer section
  • About/Contact pages

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