Ownership, Funding and Editorial Independence
The Heartlands Tribune is powered entirely by a grassroots model. We do not answer to billionaire media barons, corporate shareholders, or commercial advertisers. Our loyalty belongs solely to our readers and the working-class movement.
1. Ownership & Transparency
The Heartlands Tribune is 100% independently owned by its founder, Paul Knaggs. All initial seeding money, start-up development, and digital infrastructure, including the building of this website and our connected social media platforms, were conducted and carried out in full by Paul Knaggs.
The Heartlands Tribune has no other interested parties, corporate backers, or hidden stakeholders acting in any capacity, now or ever.
2. How We Are Funded
We do not run commercial advertising, and we do not accept sponsored articles or corporate partnerships to supplement our budget. Instead, we rely entirely on the voluntary donations of our readers to maintain our online presence.
- Transparency Threshold: To date, our largest individual donation has been £100. To maintain absolute transparency, it is our strict policy that if any individual or organisational donation over £5,000 is received, it will be formally published on this page.
- Covering Shortfalls: Because we refuse to compromise our voice for ad revenue, all remaining shortfalls for hosting costs, security, and continued internet presence are made up personally by our Editor-in-Chief, Paul Knaggs.
3. Our Independence & Refusal Policy
We maintain absolute editorial independence. Financial support does not buy editorial influence.
We are under no obligation to accept donations. If we believe at any time that a financial contribution would compromise our integrity, conflict with our core principles, or look to influence our journalism, we reserve the absolute right to refuse and return it.
Support Independent, Grassroots Media If you believe in plain-spoken, unapologetic left-wing news that can’t be bought, please consider helping us cover our hosting and running costs.
