Advertising Policy
Last updated: November 2026
In the Cove has no paywall. Our local journalism is funded by advertising, sponsorship and reader support. We accept advertising and, where appropriate, publish sponsored and contributed content in line with this policy and our Editorial Policy.
As a member of the Local & Independent News Association (LINA), we follow the LINA Editorial Standards. That includes a commitment that our editorial content is never influenced by money or other benefits from outside organisations.
Editorial independence
Our editorial team decides what we report and how. Advertisers, sponsors and partners do not choose, review or approve our news coverage, opinions or priorities.
Advertising
Advertising with In the Cove does not mean we endorse a product, service, organisation or view.
Buying advertising does not guarantee news coverage, favourable reporting or any say in editorial decisions. We report on advertisers the same way we report on everyone else.
We will not publish advertising that is misleading or deceptive, that could be mistaken for our journalism, or that is likely to offend.
We may refuse, withdraw or ask for changes to any advertising that doesn’t meet this policy or that we consider unsuitable.
Advertising we don’t accept
- Political advertising, including for parties, candidates and campaigns
- Betting, tipping or gambling promotions
- Advertising from property developers or planning-related businesses, except where we agree case by case
Sponsored content
Sponsored content is supplied by or produced for a business or organisation in exchange for payment or another commercial benefit. It is clearly labelled “Sponsored” on our website, newsletter and social media. On Facebook and Instagram we also use the platform’s paid partnership tools. We check sponsored content for accuracy and legal compliance, but it is separate from our independent journalism.
Contributed content
Contributed content is supplied by a person or organisation without payment, such as a club report or community column. It is clearly labelled as contributed and checked against the same standards.
Business promotion in our community groups
Business promotion in Lane Cove Chat by ITC and Kids in the Cove is only available to paying advertisers, at the times set out in our group rules.
Complaints
If you think we haven’t followed this policy, or an ad on our platforms is offensive or misleading, email [email protected]. If you’re not satisfied, you can contact Ad Standards about the content of an ad, or the Australian Press Council about our labelling of sponsored content.