Many organisations provide information and there are many newsletters (paper or electronic) circulating in the sector. However, the Source News Service adds value to the information in a number of ways:

Sector intelligence and breadth of material

Source publications report on key trends and new policies that are likely to have a major impact (positive or negative) on WASH services for the poor at international, regional and national levels. Source publications carry a broad range of material and between them cover the globe. They are not confined to news about one organisation or type of project. They publicise good practice and innovation wherever it comes from.

News you can use

Many news and feature articles have an immediate practical application. By reporting on short case stories, new resources (publications, websites, multimedia), vacancies, funding opportunities, events and courses, best practice and lessons learned, Source publications increase their impact and keep sector professionals up to date. Source links readers to the providers of resources for more information.

Objectivity, integrity and independence

The reputation and objectivity of Source is based on editorial integrity and independence. Audiences need to be – and can be – confident that a decision to publish an article is not influenced by political or commercial pressures, nor by personal interest.

Editorial partnerships are designed to be of benefit to all sides in the partnership, and result in a clear strengthening of the Source family. Editorial impartiality and integrity will not be compromised. The Source News Service retains editorial control of output and partners are expected to sign up to the Source approach and standards. When working with other organisations, Source News Service does not unduly favour one partner above another.

Source News Service is committed to using trustworthy news sources, refraining from ‘propagandistic’ language and giving, where possible, more than one side of a story. We fairly credit others where editorially appropriate.

All Source publications acknowledge serious factual errors and correct mistakes as soon as possible, recognising what is wrong as well as putting it right. Individuals and organisations that feel they have been unfairly criticised receive a proportionate right of reply at the discretion of the editor.

Accessibility

Source materials are accessible in a number of ways. Summaries of lengthy stories and other information resources make them more accessible in an easily digestible form while giving readers the opportunity to access the original sources to read more. Moreover, all Source publications are free to users and can be accessed in the most appropriate format (web, e-mail, paper) and language.

Listening to readers

Source welcomes reader contributions, especially field stories, and feedback. We also conduct occasional readership surveys and interviews to help improve quality and effectiveness and act on the results.