Editorial policy

Select News Spotlight aims to explain news publishing choices accurately and plainly. Articles should make clear what they describe, what is interpretation and where the limits of an explanation lie.

Accuracy and clarity

We check names, dates, descriptions and claims against suitable source material before publication. When a point is uncertain or depends on context, we say so rather than presenting an inference as settled fact. We prefer clear distinctions between an example, a general pattern and an opinion.

Independence

Editorial decisions are made for the reader's understanding of the subject. A partnership does not buy favourable coverage, a particular conclusion or control over unrelated editorial material. Where a collaboration is relevant to a piece, that relationship is disclosed clearly.

Corrections

If you spot a factual error or a misleading detail, use the Contact page and identify the article and passage. We review correction requests, update material when warranted and make significant corrections clear to readers.

Partner material and illustrations

Paid, sponsored or partner content is labelled so readers can distinguish it from independent editorial material. Some illustrations may be AI-generated; where that is the case, the illustration is identified as such. Illustrations are not presented as documentary evidence.