Advertising standards
The Cape Ann Current is free because local advertisers pay for it. Readers trust us because every ad is labeled and advertisers never influence our news coverage.
These standards apply to every ad, sponsorship, sponsored article and press release. An editor reviews each one before it runs, and we may decline any ad.
Loading the standards.
How we review
When you request a quote, we check that the advertiser is identified, the website works and the contact information is complete, then screen the request against the lists above. Ads that clearly meet the standards get a concept and quote by email right away. Anything restricted or uncertain goes to an editor, who replies within one business day.
Sponsored articles and press releases
- You supply the text. We edit it for clarity, length and style, and we may ask for changes.
- Each one carries its label, Sponsored or Press release, at the top, with a line naming who paid for it.
- No false claims and no claims about competitors.
- Our newsroom does not write sponsored content, and running it does not earn news coverage.
- Each posting stays on the site for 30 days.
Political and ballot question ads
The Cape Ann Current does not accept political or ballot question ads. That includes ads from candidates, campaigns, political parties, political action committees and ballot question committees, and any ad for or against a candidate, ballot question, override or town meeting vote, in any race, local, state or federal.
We made this choice so that no campaign pays the Current while we cover its race, and so readers never have to wonder whether money shaped our election coverage. Nonpartisan voting information from a town clerk or the state, such as polling places and hours, is welcome.
Our rights
We may decline, pause or remove any ad, and we refund any unused portion when we do. We never change your message without asking, except to add a required label or disclaimer.