Kearney FM, a rising voice in the local radio landscape, has announced its intention to join the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), underscoring its commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism. This move reflects the station’s dedication to delivering accurate, impartial, and responsible reporting to its growing audience.
IPSO, the UK’s independent regulator for newspapers and magazines, ensures that publications adhere to the Editors’ Code of Practice, a benchmark for ethical journalism. By seeking membership, Kearney FM is aligning itself with an organisation renowned for safeguarding journalistic integrity, a vital step for a media outlet looking to build trust and credibility.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
Kearney FM’s Managing Director – Aaron Kearney, shared hir enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: “We have always prided ourselves on our commitment to fair and honest reporting. Joining IPSO will be a huge milestone for us, ensuring that we remain accountable to both our audience and the wider journalistic community.”
The station, known for its balanced coverage of regional news, community events, and public interest stories, has seen rapid growth in listeners over the past few years. As part of its application process to IPSO, Kearney FM will undergo a rigorous review of its editorial practices and content to ensure compliance with the industry’s best standards.
Honouring a Legacy
The significance of this milestone is even more profound for Kearney FM, as the station is named after the late Catherine Kearney, the mother of the managing director, who sadly passed away in 2023. Reflecting on this, the managing director shared: “My mother would be so proud knowing that we are taking the station in the right direction. Her values of integrity and community remain at the heart of everything we do, and this step forward honours her legacy.”
A New Era of Radio Accountability
As Kearney FM works towards full membership, the station is focusing on refining its editorial policies and training its journalists in media ethics. IPSO membership will also mean the station can participate in IPSO’s arbitration process, allowing complaints from the public to be handled in a fair and transparent manner. This process can provide listeners with a clear avenue for grievances, helping foster greater public trust.
Support from the Community
The announcement has been met with widespread support from the local community. Mary Williams, a longtime listener commented: “In today’s world, where misinformation is rampant, it’s reassuring to see local media like Kearney FM taking responsibility. Their decision to join IPSO shows they care about getting the facts right and serving the community with integrity.”
A note from the editor:
Please consider making a voluntary financial contribution to support the work of Aaron & his team here at Kearney FM and allow it to continue producing independent, news stories that focus on everything to do with the North East
Please do not contribute if you cannot afford to do so, and please note that Kearney FM is not a charity. It is run and owned by disabled journalist Aaron Kearney and has been from its launch. For transparency KFM get its money from adverts, subscriptions and donations.
Everything we do here at Kearney FM is in the name of the late Catherine Kearney
Thank you for anything you can do to support the work of Kearney FM…
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