Editorial policy

Company headquarters: Torquay, Devon, United Kingdom

👋 Who We Are

Hey Cities is a network of hyper-local newsletters that highlight the best things happening in towns and cities across the UK. From local events to hidden gems, our goal is to connect residents to their communities and encourage civic engagement through trusted and accessible information.

As a modern local media brand based in Torquay, we strive to provide accurate, impartial, and relevant editorial content that helps people feel more connected to where they live.

✨ Our Values

We operate with the following editorial principles:

• Transparency
• Objectivity
• Impartiality
• Accuracy
• Fairness
• Curiosity
• Pride in Place

Our editorial staff — which includes full-time editors, freelance writers, and community contributors — are expected to uphold these standards at all times.

📌 What We Cover

Hey Cities covers relevant, local events and stories. This includes:

• What’s on this week
• Local events and markets
• New restaurant or shop openings
• Culture and lifestyle
• Community stories
• Local history and landmarks

Our editorial team curates and contextualises local content from verified sources, contributors, and community members. Content is reviewed to ensure accuracy and timeliness, and we always provide credit or links to source material where applicable.

🔍 Diversity & Representation

We strive to represent the full diversity of our communities — not just during observance months or holidays, but year-round. We encourage community submissions and feedback so we can better reflect all voices, backgrounds, and experiences.

⚖️ What We Don’t Cover

To maintain neutrality and focus on what unites our communities, Hey Cities does not publish:

• National or international news
• Political endorsements or opinion
• Content related to crime and punishment
• Highly politicised or divisive issues (e.g. religion, sexuality, gun control, etc.)

In the case of local elections, we will only provide nonpartisan, factual information that helps voters make informed decisions and engage in civic participation.

🧾 Editorial Independence

• All editorial decisions are made independently by our content team.
• We do not allow advertisers, sponsors, or partners to influence editorial content.
• All paid content is clearly labelled as Sponsored or Branded Content.
• Gifts, invitations, or perks do not guarantee coverage.

✅ Accuracy & Corrections

We take fact-checking seriously, and while we aim for full accuracy at publication, we recognise that errors may occur. In such cases:

• We will issue a correction in the next day’s newsletter (or as soon as possible)
• The original article will be updated with corrected information and a visible note
• We do not alter or remove published content unless there is a clear legal or ethical reason to do so

Corrections may be submitted to: contact@heycities.co.uk

🎁 Gifts, Invitations & Coverage

Editorial staff may occasionally receive invitations, tickets, or small gifts related to local events or businesses. These:

• Must be disclosed internally
• Are considered for editorial coverage, but never guarantee inclusion
• Are evaluated solely on the content’s value to our audience

🎉 Giveaways

Hey Cities occasionally runs reader giveaways or contests, sometimes in partnership with local businesses or sponsors. All giveaways will include clearly stated rules, and participation does not imply endorsement of the business involved.

💼 Branded Content

Branded (i.e. paid or sponsored) content is:

• Created by our Partnerships & Client Success team, not by our editorial team
• Clearly marked on all platforms
• Reviewed by the advertiser before publication

Branded content does not reflect the editorial views of Hey Cities, and we reserve the right to decline or remove content that contradicts our values or community standards.

For full details, see our Advertising Policy

💬 Community Dialogue

Hey Cities believes in the power of local dialogue. Our aim is to provide a platform that supports positive and productive conversations around local growth and issues, including:

• Sustainability
• Infrastructure
• Tourism
• Housing
• Transport
• Local charities and nonprofits

We believe that community-focused reporting helps residents better understand their towns and get involved in shaping their future.

🧾 Ownership & Funding Transparency

Hey Cities is an independent, UK-registered company headquartered in Torquay, Devon. We are privately owned and self-funded through advertising and partnerships with local businesses.

Our editorial coverage is not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, or investors.

If you’d like to suggest a story, submit a correction, or provide feedback, reach out to our team:

📧 contact@heycities.co.uk