Astor Media is committed to producing accurate, fair, independent and relevant journalism across all of its brands and platforms.
Our publications serve professional audiences operating in highly regulated and commercially sensitive sectors, including financial services, automotive, transport, workplace and recruitment markets. Readers rely on our reporting to make informed business decisions, remain compliant, understand industry developments and engage with their sectors professionally.
These standards apply across all Astor Media brands, websites, newsletters, magazines, social channels, podcasts, events and commercial editorial products.
Our editorial principles
Accuracy
Accuracy sits at the centre of our journalism.
We take reasonable steps to verify information before publication and aim to ensure all reporting is factually correct, properly attributed and presented in the appropriate context.
Where claims, figures or allegations are made, we seek to identify their source clearly. We distinguish between reporting, opinion, analysis, sponsored content and promotional material.
We do not knowingly publish misleading, distorted or false information.
If significant inaccuracies are identified after publication, we will correct them promptly and transparently.
Independence
Astor Media maintains a clear separation between editorial decision-making and commercial interests.
Advertisers, sponsors, partners and commercial clients do not control editorial coverage, newsroom decisions or journalistic conclusions.
Editorial teams retain full discretion over what is covered, how stories are presented and whether material is published.
Commercial relationships do not guarantee editorial coverage.
Fairness
We aim to report fairly and responsibly.
Where appropriate, individuals or organisations subject to criticism or serious allegations will be given a reasonable opportunity to respond prior to publication.
We avoid unnecessary sensationalism and strive to ensure headlines accurately reflect the substance of the article.
Transparency
We believe readers should be able to distinguish clearly between independent journalism and commercial or sponsored material.
Sponsored content, partner features, advertising features and other paid-for editorial products will be clearly labelled.
Where contributors, commentators or interviewees may have relevant commercial interests, we may disclose those interests where appropriate.
Public interest
Many of the sectors we cover have direct implications for consumers, businesses, employees and public policy.
We recognise the importance of reporting on matters including regulation, legal proceedings, misconduct, compliance failures, financial risk, governance and market behaviour where there is a legitimate public interest in doing so.
Astor Media supports responsible journalism in the public interest, including the maintenance of accurate editorial archives.
Sources and attribution
We use a range of sources including interviews, press releases, official documents, public records, research reports, court proceedings and industry data.
Press releases may form the basis of reporting but are subject to editorial review, verification and rewriting in line with our house style and standards.
Quotes are attributed clearly. We do not fabricate quotes or knowingly alter the meaning or context of quoted material.
Anonymous sources may occasionally be used where there is a legitimate editorial justification and where the information cannot reasonably be obtained on the record. Such use is considered carefully and subject to editorial oversight.
Corrections and updates
Despite editorial safeguards, mistakes can occasionally occur.
Where a significant factual error is identified, we will correct the article as quickly as reasonably possible.
Corrections may include:
- amendments to wording or figures;
- clarification of context;
- addition of updated information; or
- editorial notes where appropriate.
We may decline requests to remove or alter historically accurate reporting where publication remains lawful and justified in the public interest.
AI and generative technologies
Astor Media may use AI-assisted tools to support newsroom workflows, including transcription, formatting, research assistance, data handling and editorial production processes.
However, editorial responsibility always remains with human editors and journalists.
AI-generated material is reviewed before publication and must comply fully with Astor Media’s editorial standards, legal obligations and house style requirements.
AI tools are not permitted to:
- invent facts, quotes or sources;
- generate misleading reporting;
- plagiarise third-party work; or
- replace editorial verification processes.
Human oversight remains mandatory across all editorial operations.
Sponsored content and commercial partnerships
Astor Media works with commercial partners across its sectors through advertising, sponsored content, webinars, events, reports, podcasts and other campaign activity.
Commercial content must comply with applicable advertising regulations and industry guidance.
Sponsored editorial products are produced separately from independent newsroom coverage and are clearly identified to readers.
Astor Media reserves the right to refuse commercial content that is misleading, inaccurate, unlawful or inconsistent with our editorial values.
Legal and regulatory compliance
Astor Media operates in accordance with applicable UK law, including laws relating to:
- defamation;
- contempt of court;
- copyright;
- data protection;
- privacy;
- advertising and marketing communications.
We recognise the importance of responsible reporting in regulated industries and expect contributors and editorial staff to act accordingly.
Diversity and inclusion
We aim to reflect the industries and communities we serve fairly and responsibly.
Astor Media does not tolerate discriminatory, hateful or abusive content and expects contributors and partners to uphold professional standards of conduct.
Editorial complaints
We take editorial complaints seriously and will review concerns fairly and proportionately.
Complaints relating to accuracy, corrections or editorial conduct should be submitted in writing with sufficient detail to allow investigation.
Contact:
Astor Media Limited
Queen Anne House
43 Albion Place
Maidstone
ME14 5DZ
Email: [email protected]
About Astor Media
Astor Media is a multi-sector B2B media group operating publications, events, digital platforms and commercial media products across specialist finance, automotive and workplace sectors.
Its brands include The Intermediary, Workplace Journal, Business Motoring, Business Vans and Motor Trade News.