Deborah Meaden Supports Making a Difference

Television star Deborah Meaden has lent her support to Local Media Works’ Making a Difference campaign by highlighting the ability of local papers to “get things done” and improve life for people in communities.

Lending her backing to the campaign, Ms Meaden writes in an article: “I have often been struck by the ability of local newspapers to make a real difference through campaigning.

“Whether it’s calling for better local transport links, superfast broadband, or encouraging people to buy local produce, local papers can get things done, improving life for everyone in the community by bringing wealth and jobs into the area.”

Making a Difference highlights the power of local newspapers to campaign for real change in the communities they serve. It runs in Local Newspaper Week (11-17 May) which starts in less than two weeks’ time.

Making a Difference is a showcase of 37 powerful local newspaper campaigns from the past year. During the Week, an online vote to determine the public’s favourite campaign will be held, and the winner announced at the Society of Editors Regional Press Awards on 15 May.

There will also be a Thunderclap at the start of the Week which local newspapers and publishers can sign up to in order to show their support for Making a Difference.

The Press and Journal’s campaign for a faire deal on energy prices is in the running for the award as is the North Devon Journal’s campaign to boost funding for tourism in the county.

The Birmingham Mail’s campaign to bring the Birmingham pub bombers to justice is shortlisted as is the Sunderland Echo’s campaign to save a local fire station from closure.

The Nottingham Post’s campaign celebrated the city’s hospitals while the Kent Messenger’s Kick Start Kent campaign aimed to boost apprenticeships in the region.