5Pillars has signed up to be externally regulated by the independent press regulator IMPRESS.
This means that we have to adhere to a rigorous set of journalistic standards and that our readers have the option of going to an independent body to investigate any complaints they may have about our articles.
We have signed up to IMPRESS for three reasons:
We want you to know what we write is credible
We are committed to following the highest standards of journalism. We are not an amateur “blog” which posts shoddy articles; we are a professional news website that strives to adhere to the highest standards of journalistic accuracy, fairness and responsibility.
We want you to know that any complaints you have about us will be independently investigated and judged
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It would be easy for us to brush complaints under the carpet and not take them seriously. But that’s not who we are. We are committed to dealing with any complaints fairly and that’s why we are giving you the option of having them externally investigated by an independent party.
IMPRESS is not in the pocket of the mainstream media
The main press regulator, IPSO, is in our view compromised by its association with the major mainstream publications which fund and control it. In short IPSO has a vested interest in not holding the mainstream press to account. And this explains its lamentable record in dealing with complaints about Islamophobia, for example.
IMPRESS is a new regulator and only time will tell how effective it is, but we believe it is firmly committed to ensuring that the press delivers a service that is befitting of its readers.
Commenting on 5Pillars’ decision to sign up with IMPRESS, editor Roshan Muhammed Salih said: “We didn’t have to do this and in a way it could work against us if IMPRESS censors or fines us for something we publish. But for us this is a clear signal to our readers that you are reading a credible publication that you can trust.”
And deputy editor Dilly Hussain added: “5Pillars being regulated by IMPRESS is indicative of how seriously we take our journalism. There are many successful online Muslim media outlets which are neither managed by qualified journalists nor regulated by any reputable press regulators.
“This is a huge milestone for 5Pillars and it demonstrates how committed we are to providing quality and grassroots-focused journalism to Britain’s Muslim community and beyond.”
For more information about our complaints policy click here.
