Editorial Policy for Kent Local News

**Last Updated: February 28, 2026**

AI Transparency

Kent Local News uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in the production of some news articles. Our AI-assisted editorial process works as follows:

• AI tools may be used to draft articles based on verified source material (e.g., official press releases, council documents, police statements).
• All AI-generated content is reviewed and edited by our editorial team before publication.
• AI-assisted articles carry a transparency notice at the end of each article.
• All article images carry category-appropriate source labels (see AI & Image Use Policy below).
• We take responsibility for the accuracy of all published content, regardless of how it was produced.

AI & Image Use Policy

Kent Local News uses different types of images across its coverage categories. To maintain transparency with our readers, every article displays a category-appropriate disclaimer directly below the featured image. Our image sourcing practices are as follows:

• Crime & Justice, Fire & Rescue: We use generic stock photographs that are NOT from the specific incident reported. These images are labelled “Stock image — not from this incident.”
• Council Updates: We use generic or stock photographs for illustration. These are labelled “Stock image for illustration purposes.”
• Business & Economy, Health: We use AI-generated artistic illustrations. These are clearly non-photographic in style and are labelled “AI-generated illustration.”
• Traffic, Rail Disruptions, Live Alerts, Weather: We use branded graphic banners designed by our team. These are clearly identifiable as graphics and do not carry an additional label.

We do not use AI to generate photorealistic images that could be mistaken for real photographs of events or individuals. All AI-generated images are created using artistic or illustrative styles. Stock images are sourced from licensed providers.

If you have concerns about any image used on our site, please contact us at [email protected].

Compliance and Complaints

We fact-check using reliable sources and moderate user content. Complaints are handled in accordance with our Complaints Procedure.

If you believe we have breached this Editorial Policy, please follow our complaints procedure. We aim to acknowledge complaints within 5 working days and resolve them within 28 days.

NHNN Ltd, operating as Kent Local News, is committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. Our Editorial Policy is based on the Editors’ Code of Practice set by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), which we voluntarily adhere to. This policy applies to all content on the Website. Some articles are generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including LaminarFlow and large language models. All AI-assisted content is reviewed by our editorial team before publication. AI-generated or AI-assisted articles are identified with a disclosure notice at the end of each article.

Editor: Daniel Dabin. For complaints or inquiries, contact [email protected].

 Preamble

Our Editorial Policy sets the framework for professional standards, balancing individual rights and the public’s right to know. We honor the Code in letter and spirit, interpreting it to respect freedom of expression while preventing harm.

 1. Accuracy

– We take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading, or distorted information or images.

– Significant inaccuracies must be corrected promptly with due prominence, and an apology issued if appropriate.

– We report fairly and accurately the outcome of defamation actions to which we are a party.

 2. Privacy

– Everyone is entitled to respect for their private and family life, home, health, and correspondence.

– Intrusions into privacy must be justified, considering public interest and the extent of public disclosures.

 3. Harassment

– Journalists must not engage in intimidation, harassment, or persistent pursuit.

– We do not persist in questioning or photographing individuals once asked to desist.

 4. Intrusion into Grief or Shock

– Inquiries in cases of grief or shock must be made with sympathy; publication handled sensitively.

 5. Reporting Suicide

– Reports of suicide avoid excessive detail of the method to prevent simulative acts.

 6. Children

– Pupils should complete school without intrusion.

– Children under 16 must not be interviewed or photographed on welfare issues without parental consent.

– Payment for material involving children’s welfare is prohibited unless in the child’s interest.

 7. Children in Sex Cases

– Children under 16 in sex offence cases must not be identified.

– The word “incest” must not be used if identifying the child.

 8. Hospitals

– Inquiries in hospitals must follow privacy rules; consent required for non-public areas.

 9. Reporting of Crime

– Relatives of accused or convicted must not be identified unless relevant.

– Victims of sexual assault must not be identified without consent.

 10. Clandestine Devices and Subterfuge

– Hidden cameras or subterfuge must be justified by public interest.

 11. Victims of Sexual Assault

– Victims must not be identified without consent.

 12. Discrimination

– Details of race, religion, etc., must not be mentioned unless relevant.

 13. Financial Journalism

– Financial journalists must not use confidential information for profit.

 14. Confidential Sources

– Journalists must protect confidential sources.

 15. Witness Payments in Criminal Trials

– Payments to witnesses are prohibited once proceedings are active.

 16. Payment to Criminals

– Payments to criminals for stories are prohibited unless in the public interest.

 Public Interest Exceptions

Exceptions apply where there is a public interest, such as detecting/preventing crime, protecting public health, or exposing misleading claims by public figures.

NHNN Ltd 

Company Number: 16719465 

Registered Office: 61 Bridge Street, Kington, HR5 3DJ