Roch Valley Radio gains official recognition as regulated news publisher

Roch Valley Radio has secured formal recognition as a regulated news publisher, joining the ranks of bona fide UK media outlets under the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).

Roch Valley Radio has become one of the few local community media outlets in the country to achieve official status as a regulated news publisher, following its acceptance into the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) regulatory scheme.

The move means the station’s news content will now be held to national journalism standards, giving audiences new levels of confidence in the accuracy, transparency, and ethical standards of its reporting.

This recognition also allows Roch Valley Radio to use the IPSO trust mark, a national legal symbol reserved for media publishers who commit to upholding the Editors' Code of Practice, which governs journalistic accuracy, privacy, fairness, and accountability.

For readers and listeners, the biggest change is one they may never see: editorial oversight that follows strict rules to prevent misinformation, uphold individuals’ rights, and offer clear routes for complaints or corrections.

The IPSO trust mark is a public commitment to responsible journalism. All content produced under this framework is subject to scrutiny against the 2025 Editors’ Code of Practice, which includes robust clauses on accuracy (Clause 1), privacy (Clause 2), harassment (Clause 3), and the right to reply (Clause 4).

This shift gives Roch Valley Radio the same editorial accountability as larger outlets such as The Times, Newsquest, or Reach PLC, including external arbitration where necessary.

Roch Valley Radio's Director, David Murphy, said:

This recognition isn’t just a badge, it’s a promise to our community that our journalism is fair, fact-checked and held to the highest standards. Over the past 18 months we have worked to ensure that all of our editorial content meets regulation, and now, we are proud to give Rochdale, Bury and Greater Manchester residents a local media outlet that can be trusted, not just in principle but in practice.

We live in an age where people often discredit factual reporting by labelling it as biased or political on social media. Becoming IPSO-regulated means we have the credibility and accountability to rise above that noise, and to prove our commitment to responsible journalism, not just in principle but in practice.”

In a climate where disinformation, unverified social media posts, and biased coverage continue to spread, becoming IPSO-regulated sets Roch Valley Radio apart as a reliable local source.

For contributors, including volunteer reporters, journalists, and community correspondents, the new status means all published work receives rigorous editorial review before broadcast or publication. This ensures impartiality and safeguards individuals’ rights, particularly in sensitive stories involving children, crime, or vulnerable groups.

The move also opens up legal protections and public credibility. Roch Valley Radio now qualifies as a “recognised news publisher” under UK law, which provides certain exemptions under the Defamation Act 2013 and access to public interest defences when reporting matters of serious concern.

It also reinforces the outlet’s standing with public bodies, making it easier to challenge Freedom of Information refusals and gain access to press-only briefings and emergency service updates.

All stories will continue to be produced in line with the IPSO Code, with a clear editorial process that includes headline accuracy, sourcing standards, and a right to reply when individuals or organisations are subject to criticism or allegations.

Internal training has already begun for all editorial volunteers, and the station will publish quarterly transparency reports outlining any complaints received and how they were resolved.

David Murphy, added:

“We’ve always believed in ethical community journalism, but now it’s official. This is a milestone not just for us, but for independent journalism in Greater Manchester. We are proud to represent Rochdale, Bury and beyond with the credibility our listeners and readers deserve.”