Culture Observer, a digital entertainment publication operated by Sliema Media Limited, maintains a rigorous fact-checking policy overseen by Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Shaw and Standards & Fact-Checking Lead Patrick Nolan. This policy sets out what we verify before publication, how we source information, and how we handle corrections. Our commitment to accuracy underpins every article we publish, and we expect every member of our editorial team to adhere to these standards.
Who is responsible for fact-checking at Culture Observer?
The Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, Patrick Nolan, is directly responsible for overseeing fact-checking at Culture Observer, working under Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Shaw. He reviews sensitive articles, coordinates source verification, and ensures compliance with our editorial standards. The entire editorial team, including Managing Editor Adam Pryor, also participates in verification processes before any story is published.
Culture Observer is published by Sliema Media Limited (company number C 84217, registered in Malta, with registered office at Level 3, Tower Business Centre, Tower Street, Swatar, Birkirkara BKR 4013). Although our operating company is registered overseas, our editorial staff are based in the United Kingdom and follow the same rigorous standards as any UK-based publication. Patrick Nolan can be contacted at patrick.nolan@cultureobserver.uk or by phone on +44 20 4587 9491. For a full list of our editorial team, please see Our Team.
What do we verify before publication?
Before publication, we verify official statements, broadcast schedules, release dates, financial figures, legal claims, health claims, and any information involving minors, public safety, or privacy concerns. Each piece of factual content is checked against primary sources, such as studio announcements, court records, and official biographies. We also verify quotes, dates, and numerical data with original documents or recordings where available.
Our verification process includes the following categories:
- Official statements and announcements – from broadcasters, streaming platforms, record labels, and publicists.
- Broadcast schedules and release dates – cross-checked with provider listings, press releases, and the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and streaming services.
- Financial figures and legal claims – sourced from company filings at Companies House, court documents, or verified public statements.
- Health claims – reviewed against NHS guidance, peer-reviewed studies, or official statements from health authorities.
- Stories involving minors, public safety, or privacy – reviewed by the Standards & Fact-Checking Lead prior to publication, with reference to our Safeguarding Minors Policy and Celebrity Privacy Policy.
How do we prioritise sources?
We operate a strict source hierarchy, with official broadcaster announcements, court documents, company filings, expert testimony, first-hand reporting, and verified public statements at the top. Anonymous sources or second-hand reports are treated with caution and are used only when essential and clearly attributed. Our full sources and standards policy is available at Sources & Standards.
Where multiple sources conflict, we seek independent verification from primary documents or directly from the individuals or organisations involved. We do not rely on unverified social media posts as sole evidence for factual claims. Any claim that cannot be verified against a high-quality source is either removed or presented as speculation, clearly labelled as such.
How do we handle rumours and speculation?
Rumours and speculation are always clearly labelled in our articles, using terms such as “rumoured,” “unconfirmed,” or “according to unverified reports.” We never present unverified claims as fact. Celebrity gossip or industry whispers are only reported with proper attribution and context, and our fact-checking team reviews such pieces before publication to ensure readers are not misled.
When covering topics such as casting rumours, break-ups, or production gossip, we make explicit the level of certainty and the source of the information. Our Editorial Policy further details how we distinguish between news, analysis, and opinion, all of which must meet the same truthfulness standards.
How can readers report potential errors?
Readers who spot a potential error in any Culture Observer article are encouraged to contact us at factcheck@cultureobserver.uk. Our fact-checking team reviews all reports promptly, and we take every reader report seriously, especially those involving factual inaccuracies, privacy concerns, or harm to individuals. Details of our correction process, including how we log and communicate changes, are at Corrections Policy.
We also accept tips and complaints through our general contact email info@cultureobserver.uk, but for fact-checking matters, factcheck@cultureobserver.uk ensures the fastest response. All reports are acknowledged within 48 hours, and substantive corrections are published within five working days where possible.
What happens when a correction is needed?
When an error is identified, we issue a correction promptly, clearly noting the change at the top or bottom of the article. Significant corrections – those that alter the meaning of a factual claim – are also recorded in our corrections log, accessible at Corrections Policy. Minor edits such as typos or formatting adjustments are made without a separate note but are still reviewed by an editor.
We distinguish between corrections, clarifications, and updates. A correction rectifies a verifiable error; a clarification adds context or resolves ambiguity; an update adds new information without changing the original fact. All three are handled transparently, and any reader who has reported an error is informed of the outcome.
Our commitments
- We will verify every factual claim against primary or authoritative sources before publication.
- We will clearly label rumours, speculation, and unconfirmed information in all articles.
- We will correct errors promptly and transparently, logging all substantive corrections.
- We will review sensitive articles – those involving minors, privacy, or public safety – with our Standards & Fact-Checking Lead before publication.
- We will investigate and respond to every reader report of a potential error, acknowledging receipt within 48 hours.