Government Invests £6 Million in Local Journalism as Careers Campaign Inspires Thousands of Young People

The ‘Inspiring the Future’ campaign, which aims to motivate children to explore careers in journalism, has successfully reached over 11,000 students and engaged with more than 100 schools. This initiative is part of the Government’s Local Media Action Plan, which underscores the essential role that local media plays within communities across the nation.

Fifty organisations are poised to benefit from the government’s £6 million Local News Fund, which is designed to ensure that communities continue to have access to reliable and high-quality local journalism.

As audiences shift online and consume news through an ever-expanding array of sources, the significance of local journalism has intensified. This is particularly crucial as the Government seeks to delegate power to local levels, given journalism’s vital role in holding authority accountable and combating misinformation online.

Support for Local Journalism

At the heart of the Government’s ‘Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan’, the Local News Fund aims to strengthen communities and promote social cohesion, rebuild trust, and support local economic growth by bolstering local journalism. The majority of the funding has been allocated to local print and online news outlets, as well as independent local television and radio stations, each receiving grants of up to £125,000. This funding will be invested in community outreach projects, digital tools, applications, and new multimedia services to help these organisations engage with new and younger audiences while developing sustainable revenue sources. Grants have been distributed evenly across England and Wales, ensuring that every region receives support for local journalism.

The remaining portion of the Fund has been awarded to seven organisations, including software developers and major industry players, to enhance infrastructure that can benefit the entire sector, with grants of up to £275,000.

The Media Minister expressed a commitment to local journalism, emphasising its trusted status and the challenges faced by outlets as the media landscape evolves. The Minister stated a determination to prevent the decline of local journalism, recognising its crucial role in fostering a self-assured nation where everyone feels included. The Local News Fund aims to empower newsrooms to innovate and adapt their business models for the online environment while promoting the production of high-quality, trustworthy news that communities depend on.

Inspiring Future Journalists

Another significant aspect of the Local Media Action Plan is the ‘Inspiring the Future’ careers campaign, which is co-funded by the News Media Association (NMA). This initiative connects local media employers and journalists with schools to inspire the next generation of reporters. The pilot campaign, which has focused on the North West, targets schools in areas of greater deprivation, with 79% of these schools having a higher than average eligibility for free school meals. The Government plans to evaluate this initiative with the intention of rolling it out nationally.

The Chief Executive of the News Media Association expressed satisfaction in supporting the ‘Inspiring the Future’ pilot, highlighting its importance in connecting local media professionals with emerging talent. As power is decentralised from Westminster, the role of local news media in holding authority accountable will become increasingly vital. This initiative aims to help young people understand the industry, the benefits of a career in local media, and its essential function within local communities.

Commitment to Journalist Safety

This Journalism Matters Week, an annual campaign that showcases the journalism industry as a key component of the UK’s national infrastructure, will see the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists convene to agree on a revised National Action Plan. This reaffirms the Government’s commitment to ensuring journalist safety and addressing obstacles to news gathering, which is another cornerstone of the Local Media Action Plan. The National Action Plan aims to establish measures to safeguard journalists in the UK, bringing together representatives from government, journalism, policing, and civil society.

In support of the Local News Fund, various stakeholders have expressed their views. One co-chair of the Local News Fund Steering Board noted the incredible talent and capacity available across the country to revitalise local news, particularly in communities that urgently need trusted sources of information. They highlighted that the solutions to these challenges exist and that the Fund could potentially extend its reach in the future to help journalists achieve sustainability.

Future Prospects for Local Journalism

Another co-chair emphasised the high volume and quality of bids received for the fund, demonstrating the initiative’s critical importance in enabling the industry to adapt and maintain sustainability. However, they acknowledged the difficult decisions that had to be made regarding the limited funding available and expressed hope for increased funding in the next round in 2027. The general secretary of the National Union of Journalists welcomed the Government’s actions to support local journalism, highlighting the long-standing campaign for government grants to preserve the sector. While there is optimism about the impact of the funding, concerns remain regarding job security and the industry’s future.

The Chief Executive of the National Council for the Training of Journalists remarked on the significant role of local journalism in holding power accountable and telling essential stories. They acknowledged that while AI could aid struggling newsrooms, it is vital to maintain the quality and trust that underpin good journalism.

Details of Funded Projects

Details of the winning projects include a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing local journalism. For instance, Bylines Networks Limited plans to implement a citizen-powered local news sustainability programme across nine publications, while Citizen News and Media Limited will develop an AI-driven investigations platform to bolster data journalism. Other projects include the Leicester Local News Innovation Lab, which aims to support community media organisations, and a Reader Data & Engagement Platform to enhance interactions with audiences.

The Local News Fund Steering Board, composed of independent industry experts, assessed applications based on established criteria. The Fund is competitive, and all bids were evaluated according to their quality, deliverability, and potential impact. Next year, £1 million will be allocated to address local ‘news deserts’, with an additional £5 million to continue supporting financial sustainability and innovation within the sector.

The Government’s establishment of a Local News Fund Steering Board aims to provide independent expertise and objective advice in the distribution of funding, ensuring that the best bids are selected for the benefit of local media and the communities they serve. This board includes members with diverse backgrounds and experiences in the local media sector, underscoring the commitment to delivering value for money and effective funding distribution.