Clearly identified
Advertising and sponsored material must be labeled so readers can immediately distinguish it from editorial content.
Site standards
Advertising policy
Our rules are designed to keep commercial messages distinguishable from health journalism and to protect readers from unsupported or inappropriate claims.
At a glance
Clear boundaries for commercial content
Berkeley Health may consider advertising or sponsorship that meets this policy. Commercial support does not determine our editorial topics, conclusions or presentation.
Separately controlled
Advertisers do not receive authority over independent articles, health guidance or editorial decisions.
Subject to review
Commercial material may be rejected or removed when it conflicts with this policy or reader interests.
Policy guidelines
Standards we apply
Restricted subject matter
We do not accept advertising for tobacco, firearms, explosives, fireworks, gambling or explicit sexual material. We also exclude political, religious and social-cause campaigning, legal-service promotions, intrusive formats, and comparative advertisements that identify competing brands.
Evidence for health claims
A commercial message must not make a health claim that lacks clear substantiation. Supporting documentation may be requested before an advertisement is accepted or while it remains published.
No implied endorsement
Advertising must not state or suggest that Berkeley Health, its editorial team or its contributors endorse an advertiser, product, service or claimed outcome.
Editorial independence
Advertisers and sponsors do not select editorial conclusions or control adjacent reporting. Commercial arrangements are kept separate from editorial review and publication decisions.
Visible distinction
Advertisements, promotional marks and commercial branding must be presented in a way that makes clear they are not part of Berkeley Health's independent editorial content.
Approval and placement
Berkeley Health retains final approval over advertising copy, creative materials, linked destinations and placement. Acceptance in one instance does not guarantee future acceptance.
Right to remove
We may reject, cancel, reposition or remove advertising at any time when it does not meet these standards, creates confusion or presents an unacceptable reader experience.
No unsolicited commercial messages
Advertising arrangements do not permit unsolicited commercial messages to Berkeley Health readers.
Reader information
Reader details must not be collected, shared or sold through an advertisement without clear notice and the reader's express permission. Commercial content must respect applicable privacy choices.
Promotions and external delivery
Material terms for research invitations or promotions must be displayed or directly accessible. Externally delivered advertising remains subject to the same requirements and may be blocked if it does not comply.
Policy accessibility
This policy is publicly available to readers and potential advertisers. It may be updated as formats, standards and reader protections develop.
Review process
How advertising is assessed
Review focuses on reader clarity, responsible health communication and the separation of commercial and editorial work.
Screen the subject
We first check whether the advertiser and promoted subject fit the categories permitted by this policy.
Review the claims
Health-related statements are checked for appropriate support, context and responsible presentation.
Check the format
Labels, design, placement and linked material must clearly identify the content as commercial.
Monitor compliance
Accepted material can be reviewed again and removed if its claims, destination or presentation changes.
Questions
Contact Berkeley Health
For questions about advertising standards, sponsorship labeling or the application of this policy, contact our site team. An inquiry does not guarantee that a proposal will be accepted.
Email the site team