News

#LoveLocalMedia campaign celebrated online

Posted on: June 22, 2020 by admin

A campaign spearheaded by the Society of Editors to celebrate the tremendous work of regional journalism has proved popular amongst journalists and the public alike. 

The #LoveLocalMedia campaign was launched on Thursday of last week (June 18) in the run up to the Regional Press Awards. 

Twitter users shared this video to mark the vital role of local media in holding politicians, councils and democracy to account. 

The awards were announced on Friday and included a message of support for local journalism from Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden who said, “Particularly local and regional press have a unique role to play both in holding local politicians to account and in building a sense of community.”

To participate in the ongoing campaign to show support for regional media, tag @EditorsUK in a post and use the hashtag #LoveLocalMedia.

A compilation of the support voiced for local journalism can be seen below. 


Plymouth Live news reporter Molly Dowrick’s thread on the best things about being a journalist.

Liverpool Echo reporter Jess Molyneux shares her support: Jess was shortlisted for the Reporting Communities Award and her entry on behalf of the Echo’s Facebook Community Reporters can be read here

The work of regional news to hold the national agenda to account shouldn’t be underestimated either.

Regional Press Award winner Charles Thomson speaks up for local democracy reporting:

Message of support from the PR sector, including Society sponsor Cision:

 

Not to mention the crucial role of court reporters – from Joe Thomas here whose court coverage of the Hillsborough/ Duckenfield trial merited a highly commended nod for Feature Writer/ Long Form Journalist of the Year.

And regional reporting is also changing… as RADAR AI shows us.

The campaigns making a difference to communities under lockdown.

And the public appreciate how local papers amplify their voices:

As well as unheard stories:

The job of journalists isn’t easy either…

But campaigning and making progress is hard work to be acknowledged.

Happily, good journalism is rewarded. Yorkshire Post editor James Mitchinson shows as a result of the campaign, four readers have come forward to offer to pay for subscriptions for those who cannot afford them. The Yorkshire Post won Daily Newspaper of the Year at the Regional Press Awards. 

Continue the conversation by sharing the Society’s #LoveLocalMedia video today.