Current UK, owned and operated by Sliema Media Limited (company number C 84217, registered with the Malta Business Registry), publishes sponsored content as a transparent part of its funding model. The Editor-in-Chief, William Ashby, and the Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, Diane Forbes, are responsible for ensuring that all sponsored material complies with this policy and our broader editorial standards. For full details of our ownership and funding, see our ownership and funding page.
What are the labelling rules for sponsored content?
All sponsored content on Current UK is clearly labelled with the words “Sponsored” or “Sponsored Content” at the top of the article and in any promotional materials. This label appears in a distinct visual style that cannot be missed or confused with editorial content.
The sponsorship designation is also included in article metadata, headlines and any newsletter or social-media distribution. If a piece contains both editorial and sponsored sections, each section is labelled separately. Readers can always see at a glance whether the content they are viewing has been paid for by an advertiser.
How does sponsored content differ from affiliate links?
Affiliate links generate a commission when readers purchase products or services through them, but the editorial content itself remains independent. Sponsored content, by contrast, is paid for by an advertiser and is not subject to the same editorial independence as our news articles.
All affiliate links are disclosed separately under our advertising and affiliate disclosure policy. Sponsored content involves a commercial arrangement where the advertiser may suggest topics or provide background information, but Current UK retains final editorial control over accuracy and compliance. Sponsored material is never presented as independent journalism, and affiliate links are never included in sponsored pieces without explicit disclosure.
How is editorial independence maintained?
Commercial relationships never determine editorial conclusions. Sponsored content is reviewed by the Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, Diane Forbes, and a senior editor to ensure it meets our fact-checking standards and does not mislead readers.
Every sponsored article is subject to the same human editorial oversight as our regular journalism. The Editor-in-Chief, William Ashby, retains the authority to reject or request revisions to any sponsored piece that does not align with our editorial policy or that misrepresents the publication’s values. Our full editorial policy describes how all editorial decisions are made independently. No advertiser may dictate the framing, conclusions or tone of a sponsored article.
How can I enquire about sponsored content?
Enquiries about sponsored content opportunities should be sent to sponsored@currentuk.co.uk. Our commercial team will provide rate cards, audience data and placement options.
All commercial partnerships are handled separately from editorial decision-making. For general contact or press enquiries, please see our contact page. Complaints about specific sponsored content should be directed to our complaints procedure, also linked from that page.
Our commitments
- All sponsored content will be clearly and consistently labelled, both on the page and in any distribution channels.
- Sponsored material will never influence our independent journalism or editorial coverage of news, politics or public affairs.
- Our fact-checking and editorial standards apply to sponsored content wherever factual claims are made, and every piece is approved by a human editor.
- Sponsored content will not contain false, misleading or deceptive claims, and all commercial relationships are disclosed.
- Enquiries and complaints about sponsored content will be handled promptly via sponsored@currentuk.co.uk or through our published complaints procedure.