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Bank governor to highlight role of local press

Governor of the Bank of England Mervyn King is to contribute an article on the importance of local newspapers for this year’s Local Newspaper Week.

In the piece, Mr King will explain the important role the local press played in keeping the public informed during the financial crisis.

Sir Nicholas Young, chief executive of the British Red Cross, has also joined the list of contributors for this year’s event, which is organised by the Newspaper Society on the theme of ‘Your Voice’ and runs from 10 to 16 May.

His article will focus on the importance of raising awareness of the charity’s campaigns and appeals.

The NS says that local papers are also gearing up for the week with plans of features and supplements reflecting the Your Voice theme.

  • The South London Press is planning a double page spread focusing upon council publications and the scrutiny of authority provided by independent local newspapers. Editor Hannah Walker said: “We’re going to make this very reader-orientated as it will all be about how real local people have had a say and come to us to give them a voice across our communities.
  • The Weston Mercury is inviting readers to submit their questions for public bodies and the answers will be published during the week. The paper said in a launch story: “The Mercury aims to mark the occasion by doing exactly what is has for the past 167 years – asking the questions our readers want answers to. And we plan to do it in a more literal way than ever before.”
  • The Selby Times is tying in its week celebrations with its 150th anniversary this year. Features will include details of how the title has evolved in print and online, and readers will be given the opportunity to explain what the Times has done for them.
  • Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard and Gloucestershire Gazette Series will highlight causes they have fought for on behalf of their readers over the past year.
  • The Bolton News has launched the My Bolton photographic competition which looks for the best reader-submitted picture capturing life in Bolton and the surrounding towns.