Everything we publish reflects on the company, the people behind it, and the communities we cover. We operate as a contributor-led platform, which means the work is created independently but published under a shared name. This Code sets out the standard expected across all roles, formats, and platforms, and should be read alongside our wider editorial and operational policies.
Accuracy
Content should be based on information that has been properly checked. Contributors are expected to make sure facts, quotes, and context are right before anything is published. If something isn’t fully confirmed, it shouldn’t be presented as fact, and where there is uncertainty, that should be clear rather than implied. Mistakes can happen, but they need to be dealt with properly. Corrections should be made in a way that is clear and doesn’t create further confusion. Working quickly is part of what we do, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of getting things right.
Fairness
How something is presented matters just as much as what is being said. People and organisations shouldn’t be misrepresented, taken out of context, or framed in a way that gives a false impression. Where content includes criticism or makes claims about someone, there should be a reasonable basis for it, and where it makes sense, an opportunity to respond should be considered. Fairness isn’t about avoiding difficult topics; it’s about handling them honestly and without distortion.
Responsibility for Content
Contributors are responsible for the material they publish under the Full Clear Media name. Content should not be unlawful, abusive, or needlessly harmful. Some topics will require more care than others, particularly where individuals or smaller communities are involved. The pressure to produce content quickly or to drive engagement doesn’t justify lowering standards or publishing something that could cause avoidable harm.
Honesty in Presentation
Content should be clear in what it is doing. Fact, opinion, and speculation shouldn’t be blended in a way that confuses the audience or creates a misleading narrative. Where something is commentary or interpretation, it should be read that way. Information shouldn’t be selectively used to push a version of events that isn’t supported by the full picture.
Use of Information and Sources
Information needs to be handled with care, particularly when it carries risk. Contributors should take reasonable steps to check sources and think about their reliability, as well as any potential motivations behind them. Serious claims should be supported properly, and where information is sensitive or not fully verified, extra caution is expected. Confidential sources, where used, must be handled responsibly and in line with company standards, with further detail set out in the General Journalistic Standards Policy.
Privacy and Use of Personal Information
Just because information is available doesn’t mean it should be published. Contributors should think about whether including personal or private details is justified and proportionate. Additional care is needed when dealing with private individuals or situations involving vulnerability. Any handling of personal data must follow applicable legal requirements and the company’s privacy standards.
Platform and Distribution Standards
The standards set out here apply across all platforms, regardless of format or speed. Content produced for social media or fast-turnaround publishing should meet the same expectations as longer-form work. The way something is packaged or distributed doesn’t change the responsibility behind it. Everything published under the Full Clear Media name contributes to how the company is seen.
Independence and Conflicts
Work should be produced independently and without outside influence shaping the outcome. Personal interests, financial incentives, or external relationships shouldn’t affect the integrity of the content. Where a conflict exists, it should be recognised and handled properly. Where content is sponsored or produced in partnership, that should be made clear in line with our transparency standards.
Confidentiality and Security
Information accessed through Full Clear Media isn’t always public, and it needs to be treated accordingly. Internal documents, sensitive materials, and unpublished work shouldn’t be shared outside approved systems. Contributors are expected to follow company standards around document handling, storage, and access, as set out in the Document Handling & Security Policy.
Legal and Policy Compliance
All work needs to meet legal requirements as well as company standards. This includes areas such as defamation, data protection, and the use of third-party material. Contributors should be aware that getting this wrong can create real consequences, both for themselves and for the company. More detailed expectations are set out in the General Journalistic Standards Policy.
Raising Issues
If something doesn’t feel right, it should be raised early. That might relate to accuracy, fairness, legality, or how information is being handled. Problems are far easier to deal with before something is published than after the fact, and contributors are expected to act in good faith when flagging concerns.
Enforcement
Where contributors fail to meet the standards set out in this Code, action may be taken. This can include the removal or correction of content, restriction of access to company systems or platforms, or termination of agreements. Where issues are repeated, or where breaches are more serious, particularly where legal, ethical, or security risks are involved, they will be dealt with accordingly.
Final Note
We operate in a fast-moving environment where content is produced at pace and across different formats. This doesn’t change the standard expected. Contributors are expected to use their judgment, take responsibility for their work, and think about the impact of what they publish. If something doesn’t meet that standard, it shouldn’t go out.