Local Newspaper Week has been renamed in order to better “highlight the vital role journalism plays in our society”.
The News Media Association has announced that the annual event will now be known as Journalism Matters, and will be spearheaded by the local media sector.
This year’s event will take place between 13 and 19 May, and will include a Trusted News Day on 16 May which will see local newspapers show their readers exactly how trusted news is produced.
Journalism Matters will encompass the Society of Editors Regional Press Awards, at which the annual Making a Difference award for the best local newspaper campaign, as voted for by the public, will be announced.
NMA chairman David Dinsmore, News UK chief operating officer, said: “The role of news media holding power to account is more important now than it ever has been.
“The new Journalism Matters campaign will boldly and unashamedly champion journalism as a force for good in our society.”
NMA vice chairman Henry Faure Walker, Newsquest chief executive, added: “Local media is the most trusted source for local news and information; more than three times more trusted than social media.
“As a sector, we must continue to remind all our audiences of the essential role local news brands play in communities the length and breadth of the UK, and Journalism Matters will provide us with a strong platform to do just that.”
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not enough to “rebrand” papers.
As for “will see local newspapers show their readers exactly how trusted news is produced.”,
Just show the shoals of e mails with free “submitted” copy and dodgy pictures. And handfuls of reporters.
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When someone trots out (uncredited?) research to justify something such as ‘…the most trusted source for local news and information; more than ‘three times more trusted’ than social media’ – says who?
you can almost smell the desperation in the air.
The public no longer turn to their once essential daily or weekly paper and haven’t got some time, as the ever freefalling ABC verified copy sales figures prove, going instead online to social media sites and their chosen news providers for instant rolling news as it happens, sites very often used by publishing groups themselves to source local events, images and breaking news.
if this event continues,and surely it’s had its day, it needs to include and major on the many free independents,not the older publishers, in print they’re no quicker than the ailing bigger groups to be fair but at least their news and reportage is grass roots and usually written by a journalist who knows the community, understands the issues and knows its people.
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