HAYES FM’s Editorial Values

“We aim to be a creative and trusted broadcaster and programme maker, to satisfy all who listen to us, with services that inform, educate and entertain, that enrich the lives of the area in which we live.
We aim to be guided by public and community purpose, to encourage local talent; to act independently of interests; to aspire to the highest standards of impartiality, accuracy, fairness, integrity, respect, always seeking to tell the truth.”

Impartiality……Due impartiality lies at the heart of all that HAYES FM will do. Our programmes and services should be open minded, fair and show respect for truth. No significant strand of thought should go unreflected or under represented.

Accuracy….We must be accurate and check, cross check and seek advice where appropriate. By accuracy, we mean a question of getting the facts right. All relevant information should be weighed to get at the truth of what is reported or described.

Fairness…Our programmes should be based on fairness, openness and straight dealing. Contributors should be treated honestly and with respect. They have a right to know what a programme is about, what kind of contribution they are expected to make, whether it will be live or recorded and whether it is to be edited.

A full and fair view of our communities…....Our programmes and services should reflect and will draw upon the diversity of community without pandering to it. We do this to reflect life where we live. By doing so we introduce new talent, new perspectives, faces and voices enriching our programmes for our audiences. When portraying social groups, stereotypes should be avoided but we recognise only by questioning will we get to the truth and gain valuable knowledge about our community and about ourselves.

Editorial Integrity and Independence….Audience must be able to trust the integrity of their local community radio. They should be confident that decisions are made only for good editorial reasons, not as a result of improper pressure, be it political, religious, commercial or special interests.
The outside activities of programme makers must not improperly influence the quality of our programmes.

Respect for Privacy….Our programme and services should respect the privacy of individuals, recognising that any intrusions have to be justified by serving a greater good. Private behaviour, correspondence and conversation should not be brought into the public domain unless there is a wider public interest.