The i Paper and The Press and Journal and The Courier Named Making A Difference Award Winners

The i Paper and The Press and Journal, and its sister title The Courier, have been voted this year’s Making a Difference award winners for their respective campaigns, Second Post Office IT Scandal and Trapped by RAAC.

Coordinated by the News Media Association, Journalism Matters week aims to highlight journalism’s vital role in our society. The public is invited to view the local and national shortlists of campaigns and vote for their favourite.

NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said: “This year’s Making a Difference shortlist demonstrates the remarkable commitment of UK newsrooms, who work tirelessly to inform the public and hold power to account.

“The i Paper and The Press and Journal, and The Courier can be proud of the difference they have made. The Second Post Office IT Scandal has exposed long-standing injustices affecting hundreds of sub-postmasters, while the Trapped by RAAC campaign has brought urgent attention to a local housing crisis and secured meaningful support for homeowners.

“Both campaigns show how journalism can shine a light on critical issues and speak up for those whose voices might otherwise go unheard. My congratulations to you both.”

The i Paper launched its Second Post Office IT Scandal investigation after Northern reporter Steve Robson uncovered claims that sub-postmasters had been wrongly prosecuted for years before the Horizon IT system was introduced. His investigation revealed that an earlier accounting system, Capture, may also have been faulty, potentially leading to wrongful convictions. The reporting, which included interviews with former postmasters, analysis of internal documents and court records, and FOI requests, prompted a government review and recognition of the potential injustices suffered by hundreds of sub-postmasters.

The Press and Journal and The Courier’s joint campaign, Trapped by RAAC, highlighted the plight of homeowners in Torry, Aberdeen, and Dundee whose properties were built with dangerous RAAC concrete. The titles campaigned for immediate government support and fair compensation, pressing local authorities through coverage, debates, and direct engagement. In October 2025, the city council confirmed compensation based on pre-RAAC property valuations, providing a breakthrough for homeowners once facing financial ruin.

Both campaigns demonstrate the power of regional and national journalism to shine a light on critical issues, give voice to those affected by injustice, and secure meaningful outcomes for communities across the UK.