Code of ethics

Last updated: 5 October 2026

This code sets out the principles by which The North West Mercury prepares and publishes the news.

1. Where our information comes from

The North West Mercury is a digital newspaper covering local news. We prepare our stories from public information: the statements and notices issued by local councils, public administrations and other public bodies, and the press releases that companies, organisations and institutions send to the newsroom.

When a story is based on information from a public body, we say so in the article and link to the original source.

2. Accuracy

We aim to stick to what the source says and not to present rumours or assumptions as facts.

3. Errors and corrections

We can make mistakes. If you find an error in a story, or a piece of information affects you and you believe it is wrong, write to us at info@northwestmercury.co.uk: we review it and, where appropriate, correct it as soon as possible. We explain how in our Corrections policy.

4. Respect for people

We do not publish content that promotes discrimination on the grounds of origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other personal circumstance. We take particular care with information about victims of crime, accidents or tragedies.

5. Privacy and minors

We comply with data protection legislation (the GDPR). We avoid identifying minors in compromising situations and publishing personal data without clear news value.

6. Copyright and images

We respect copyright. If you hold the rights to a text or an image and believe we should not be publishing it, write to us at info@northwestmercury.co.uk and we will remove it where appropriate.

7. Technology

We use technological tools, including artificial intelligence, to write, translate and illustrate content, always on the basis of the sources described in this code. Images generated with artificial intelligence are illustrative and do not show real events.

8. Transparency and contact

We publish our Editorial policy, our Corrections policy and our Privacy policy. For any question about our content, write to us at info@northwestmercury.co.uk.

Contact: info@northwestmercury.co.uk