Leeds Indymedia Editorial Policy

Our editorial policy

Leeds Independent Media Centre (IMC) is run by an open editorial collective that anyone can join and take part in as long as they agree to the principles contained within this mission statement. The site is operated on an open publishing basis: anything can be posted up by anyone.

We request that users respect each other and engage in debates in a positive way: arguing is fine, abuse is not. However, even posts that are sexist, racist, homophobic, or oppressive in some other way, will be left up so long as they do not threaten violence. Leeds Indymedia feels that censoring these views would put us in a similar position to the corporate and government-owned media, providing a filtered view of the world. We also feel that these views – to which we would never subscribe – provide a useful starting point for opening up debate and debunking misconceptions that have been spread within the local community.

We reserve the right to take down posts which incite violence or are deemed libellous, or which potentially jeopardise provision of this service and space.

Our features policy

Leeds Indymedia has two main news elements: the open publishing newswire and calendar, and the features column.

The newswire and calendar are open for anyone to post to in line with the editorial policy.

The features in the middle column of the Leeds Indymedia site reflect postings to the newswire. Features highlight specific issues to make them more accessible to people visiting the site. Leeds IMC volunteers moderate the site and collaborate in the production of features on the Leeds Features email discussion list. Any individual can join the features list and propose a new feature. This can take the form of an idea or a completed feature (between 50-80 words with at least one link to the newswire, and preferably links to background information).

If no-one on the features list objects within 24 hours to the proposed feature, and if it is in completed form, then it will be uploaded to the middle column. The 24-hour rule ensures that everybody can contribute to the middle column and allows time for collaborative improvements and considerations.

Legal Disclaimer

Leeds Indymedia is an interactive site offering inclusive participation. All postings to the open publishing newswire are the responsibility of the individual authors and not of Leeds Indymedia. Although Leeds IMC volunteers attempt to ensure accuracy of the newswire, they take no responsibility legal or otherwise for the contents of the open publishing site. Mention of external website or services is for information purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation.

Leeds IMC, 02.07.2003 23:33