Why did Sliema Media launch Southampton Wire?
Sliema Media Limited, the Maltese publisher behind Southampton Wire, saw a gap for genuinely independent, trustworthy local journalism on the south coast. We launched the site to give Hampshire readers clear, practical news without spin or agenda.
Registered in Malta under company number C 84217, Sliema Media already understood the value of local communities. Southampton and the wider Hampshire region deserved a dedicated digital newsroom that reported on councils, business, community affairs, crime, transport and culture without the distractions of national media. The founding vision was simple: produce reliable, human‑edited journalism that helps people understand what really matters in their area. Editor‑in‑Chief William Ashby leads that mission, supported by a team of specialists who live and breathe the region. You can read more about our origins on the Our Story page.
What is our editorial philosophy?
Our philosophy centres on reliability and clarity. Every article is written by a named journalist, reviewed by an editor, and fact‑checked before publication. We never allow commercial interests to shape our conclusions.
We use AI‑assisted tools only for research, editing, formatting, metadata and summaries – no machine ever fabricates quotes, sources, interviews or bylines. All published content passes through a human editor. Sponsored or affiliate material is clearly labelled, and our commercial partnerships are disclosed in full on the Ownership & Funding page. If we make a mistake, we correct it promptly and transparently, as set out in our Corrections Policy. Our editorial code is built on trust: readers should never have to wonder whether a story has been twisted to suit a hidden agenda.
Who are the editors behind Southampton Wire?
Editor‑in‑Chief William Ashby sets editorial standards and oversees all publication decisions. He is supported by Managing Editor Sarah Mills, Local Politics & Council Editor Kieran Doherty, and other specialists covering community, crime, business and property.
The full desk includes Community & Crime Correspondent Lucy Palmer, Business & Property Correspondent Oscar Brooks, and Standards & Fact‑Checking Lead Diane Forbes. Each editor brings deep local knowledge and a commitment to accuracy. William Ashby can be reached at william.ashby@southamptonwire.co.uk; Sarah Mills at sarah.mills@. The team’s direct lines and email addresses are listed on our Our Team page, and you can also find contact details for specific functions – newsdesk, tips, press, corrections, complaints, factcheck, legal, privacy and more – on the Contact page. We believe readers should know exactly who is responsible for every story.
What you can expect from us
Readers can expect accurate, balanced reporting on councils, business, community affairs, crime, transport and culture. We correct mistakes promptly and publish a clear corrections policy. Our fact‑checking process is led by Diane Forbes.
We aim to publish news that is useful, not sensational. Every article is drafted by a named writer, reviewed by an editor and fact‑checked before going live. If you spot an error or have information that could improve a story, please let us know via the Tip Us page. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter for regular updates straight to your inbox – sign up at Newsletter. Our editorial standards are outlined in full in the Editorial Policy, and we publish separate policies for fact‑checking, corrections, complaints, sponsored content, AI automation, accessibility and more. We want you to feel confident that what you read here can be trusted.
How is Southampton Wire funded?
We are funded through display advertising, affiliate links, commercial partnerships, sponsored content and newsletter sponsorships. All sponsored material is clearly labelled, and no commercial relationship influences editorial decisions.
Transparency is central to our model. Our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure explains exactly how affiliate links work and how we earn revenue without compromising editorial integrity. Sponsored content is governed by a dedicated Sponsored Content Policy, and our full funding structure – including details about Sliema Media Limited – is set out on the Ownership & Funding page. We also publish an AI & Automation Policy to show where digital tools help our work. No commercial partner gets to dictate what we cover or how we cover it.
Questions or concerns?
If you have questions about our reporting, want to submit a tip, or wish to discuss our policies, please contact our team. We aim to respond promptly and transparently.
You can reach us by email at info@southamptonwire.co.uk or call the UK editorial line on +44 20 4587 9485. For specific matters – corrections, complaints, legal issues, privacy, copyright or advertising – use the dedicated function addresses listed on the Contact page. We also have a formal Complaints Procedure should you need to escalate an issue. To stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter or send a tip via the Tip Us page. Your voice helps us improve, and we welcome every honest conversation.