Media Grid UK is published by Sliema Media Limited, a company registered in Malta (C 84217), and every sponsored content decision is overseen by Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Pierce. This policy sets out how we label, separate, and govern commercial material so that our readers can always distinguish it from independent editorial journalism.
Who is responsible for sponsored content at Media Grid UK?
Jonathan Pierce, Editor-in-Chief, has final authority over all sponsored content policies and compliance. He works with the Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, Oliver Reeves, and the Managing Editor, Rebecca Haines, to ensure every sponsored piece meets our labelling and separation rules before publication. The commercial team handles client relationships but never overrides editorial judgement.
Any breach of this policy must be reported directly to Jonathan Pierce at jonathan.pierce@mediagriduk.uk or via the corrections and complaints function at corrections@mediagriduk.uk.
How is sponsored content labelled?
Every sponsored article, video, or infographic on Media Grid UK carries a clear, prominent label reading “Sponsored” at the top of the page, directly beneath the headline. The label appears in the same font and colour as our standard metadata so that readers cannot miss it before they begin reading.
In addition, sponsored content is placed in a separate section of the site, accessible only through a distinct navigation category. It never appears intermingled with editorial articles on the homepage or in topic feeds unless clearly marked with a “Sponsored” badge. Pages that are part of a paid partnership also include a short disclosure statement naming the sponsor.
What rules govern sponsored content?
Sponsored content must be factual, comply with UK advertising codes, and cannot make unsubstantiated claims. It is drafted by the sponsor or by writers commissioned by them, then reviewed by our editorial team for clarity, legality, and compliance with this policy. No sponsored piece is published without human editor approval.
All sponsored material is subject to the same fact-checking standards as editorial content, as described in our fact-checking policy. Oliver Reeves’s team verifies all factual assertions before publication. Sponsored content must not mislead readers or present opinion as fact. Any content that fails these checks is rejected or amended.
How does sponsored content differ from affiliate links?
Sponsored content is paid for directly by a brand or organisation to appear as an article or feature on our site. Affiliate links are embedded within editorial articles and earn Media Grid UK a small commission when readers purchase a product — but the editorial decision to include the link is independent of any payment.
Our advertising and affiliate disclosure explains how affiliate links work. The key distinction is that sponsored content is a commercial collaboration commissioned and paid for upfront, whereas affiliate links are a passive revenue mechanism that does not influence editorial choices. Both are clearly disclosed, but the labels and separation rules differ.
How do we maintain editorial independence?
No sponsor has any role in setting editorial policy, commissioning editorial stories, or determining the conclusions of our journalism. The editorial team — led by Rebecca Haines and Thomas Grant — operates entirely separately from the commercial team. Sponsored content is never approved retroactively to influence or reward editorial coverage.
We have a formal firewall agreement, documented in our ownership and funding page, that prevents commercial relationships from affecting editorial decisions. Any attempt by a sponsor to influence editorial coverage is reported to Jonathan Pierce and may result in termination of the commercial relationship.
How can you enquire about sponsorship?
All sponsorship enquiries should be sent to sponsored@mediagriduk.uk. Our commercial team will respond with our rate card, guidelines, and an explanation of the process. We do not accept sponsorship that conflicts with our editorial standards or our commitment to trustworthy UK journalism.
For general contact or complaints about sponsored content, please use our contact page or email complaints@mediagriduk.uk. Complaints are handled under our complaints procedure, which is published separately.
Our commitments
- Every sponsored content piece is clearly labelled “Sponsored” and placed in a separate section of the site.
- No sponsor can influence editorial coverage or dictate the conclusions of independent journalism.
- All factual claims in sponsored content are verified by our Standards & Fact-Checking team before publication.
- Sponsored material is reviewed and approved by a human editor before it goes live.
- Any reader can report a potential breach of this policy via the complaints function, and we will investigate and publish a correction if needed.