Editorial Policy
Last updated: May 2026
About In the Cove
In the Cove is an independent local news platform serving Lane Cove and surrounding communities.
Founded in 2012, In the Cove provides free access to local news, community information, public interest journalism, event coverage, business updates and community discussion.
Our aim is to keep the community informed, connected and engaged through accurate, fair and accessible local reporting.
In the Cove is a member of the Local & Independent News Association (LINA) and is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. Complaints about editorial content can be directed to us at info@inthecove.com.au or to the Australian Press Council.
We are committed to independent, accurate and accountable local journalism and seek to uphold the editorial standards and principles promoted by both organisations.
Editorial Independence
In the Cove maintains editorial independence from advertisers, sponsors, political organisations and commercial partners.
Advertising, sponsorship or commercial relationships do not influence editorial decisions, newsroom coverage or moderation decisions.
Sponsored content, paid partnerships and advertorials are clearly identified.
We may report on advertisers, sponsors, businesses, organisations or community groups we work with where coverage is considered newsworthy or in the public interest.
Accuracy and Fairness
We aim to ensure all published information is accurate, fair and properly sourced at the time of publication.
Where possible, we:
- verify information through multiple sources
- seek comment from relevant individuals or organisations
- provide reasonable opportunity for response
- distinguish clearly between editorial, opinion and sponsored content
As a digital publication covering developing stories, articles may be updated as new information becomes available.
Where significant corrections are required, we will update the article accordingly.
Public Interest Journalism
In the Cove reports on matters affecting the Lane Cove community, including:
- local government and planning
- transport and infrastructure
- schools and education
- business and development
- environment and sustainability
- public safety and community wellbeing
We believe strong local journalism contributes to transparency, accountability and informed community discussion.
Community Standards and Moderation
In the Cove operates several online community spaces, including Facebook groups and social media platforms.
These spaces are moderated to help keep discussions useful, respectful, safe and locally relevant.
Posts or comments may be declined or removed if they:
- contain misinformation or defamatory material
- include harassment, abuse or discrimination
- are primarily promotional, repetitive or spam-like
- contain personal attacks or inflammatory behaviour
- are unrelated to the purpose of the group
- contain anonymous accusations or unverified claims
- promote unsafe, illegal or misleading activity
Moderation decisions are made at the discretion of our team.
Where possible, moderators may provide guidance regarding the relevant group rule or reason for removal. However, due to the volume of moderation activity across our platforms, detailed explanations may not always be possible.
Repeated attempts to repost declined content, spam moderators or circumvent group rules may result in removal from our platforms.
Our moderation team works hard to manage large and active community spaces, and these standards are intended to protect constructive local discussion and reduce harm to the broader community.
Sponsored Content and Advertising
Advertising and sponsorship help support free local journalism and community coverage.
Commercial opportunities may include:
- sponsored articles
- social media campaigns
- newsletter sponsorships
- video and reel content
- event partnerships
- business directory listings
- display advertising
Paid content is clearly identified where appropriate.
Commercial relationships do not guarantee editorial coverage.
Reviews, editorial decisions and news reporting remain independent.
Political Content and Elections
In the Cove may publish coverage relating to elections, political candidates, local government decisions and matters of civic importance relevant to the community.
Political advertising, sponsored political content and election-related material must comply with Australian laws and platform policies and will be clearly identified where appropriate.
Editorial coverage and moderation decisions remain independent.
Community Contributions
We welcome community submissions including:
- event listings
- local news tips
- photographs
- business updates
- community notices
Submission of material does not guarantee publication.
By submitting content to In the Cove, contributors confirm they have the right to share that material and grant permission for publication across our digital platforms.
Anonymous tips may be considered where matters are deemed to be in the public interest, however anonymous allegations or unverified claims may not be published.
Privacy and Sensitive Reporting
We aim to report responsibly and sensitively, particularly when covering:
- children and schools
- deaths and medical matters
- crime and legal issues
- vulnerable individuals
- community disputes
We may withhold names or identifying details where appropriate.
We also recognise that local journalism operates within close-knit communities and aim to balance the public interest with compassion, fairness and privacy considerations.
AI and Digital Tools
In the Cove may use AI-assisted tools for tasks such as transcription, formatting, editing assistance, research support or brainstorming.
All published editorial content is reviewed and approved by a human editor prior to publication.
AI-generated material is not published without human oversight.
Corrections and Feedback
If you believe an article contains an error or requires clarification, please contact us at:
We welcome constructive feedback and correction requests and will review them promptly.
Significant factual corrections may be updated within articles where appropriate.
Supporting Independent Local Journalism
In the Cove is independently owned and operated.
Revenue from advertising, sponsorship and community support helps fund local reporting, investigations, moderation, digital publishing and community coverage.
We remain committed to accessible local journalism without a paywall and thank our readers, advertisers and supporters for helping sustain independent local media.
