Take Part

Hundreds of national and local newspapers celebrated the annual campaign coordinated by the News Media Association by celebrating the vital contribution trusted journalism makes to our democratic society.

Journalism Matters is the news media industry’s annual campaign to shout about the benefits journalism creates for our society. Last year, the campaign launched with op eds from the Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire.

At the parliamentary reception to kick off Journalism Matters, both the Culture Secretary and Sun editor, Victoria Newton, spoke of the importance of safeguarding press freedom to a room of around 100 parliamentarians, publishers and journalists.

Run by the News Media Association, Journalism Matters is a chance for news media titles to tell their readers about the important job they do and why they do it. Anyone can take part by voicing their support for their newspaper and highly trusted journalism which underpins democracy.

The NMA also launched research canvassing MP and editor opinions, which showed serious concern over the advancement of AI. Newsworks also released fresh research to mark the campaign. JICREG also launched new figures for the local media sector, showing that the industry now reaches 42 million people a month in print and online.

In 2022, the campaign saw cross party support, with an article from Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, who urged the government to “secure the future of our media”. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, also tweeted his support.

Guide for Newsbrands

Journalism Matters week runs every year, with an overarching theme of the importance of trusted journalism to society.

Some ideas for editors to highlight this vital work in their coverage during the week follow:

  • Showcase their titles’ campaigning achievements and explain how their journalism has delivered real benefit to people, whether it be fundraising for key workers or providing free newspaper home delivery for vulnerable people.
  • Run stories on the business of journalism and the current threats and opportunities. Different people from across the business telling their stories could be featured.
  • Conduct interviews with local dignitaries – MPs, council leaders, local celebrities, sportspeople – in which they explain why journalism is so important.
  • Explainers on the role of journalists and why their work holding power to account is important.
  • Editorials and opinion pieces talking about the value and importance of journalism during the pandemic, referencing increased audiences and reader engagement where appropriate.

The weeklong campaign is a chance for editors to remind readers of the reasons why journalism is so important to our democratic way of life, and the threats it faces on various fronts. Some further ideas for editors coverage follow:  

  • Use the Journalism Matters logos and key industry stats about news media.
  • Use hashtags #journalismmatters #makingadifference and #buyapaper on social media. 
  • Host reader surgeries showing the process behind the production of trusted journalism.
  • Invite a guest editor such as a celebrity or dignitary to edit the newspaper during the week. 

Making a Difference

Making a Difference showcases the best campaigning work of newspapers across the UK. At the start of Journalism Matters an online vote will go live and the public will be invited to vote for their favourite local and national campaigns from the Making a Difference showcase.   

Newspapers included in the shortlist can run stories in the run up to and during the vote encouraging readers to back their campaign. Editors and journalists can also use social media to secure the backing of readers, local MPs, and celebrities.

Campaigns from Metro and the Inverness Courier won the best national and local campaigns respectively for the Making a Difference 2023 award for their outstanding efforts in driving change through #FormulaForChange and Dual the A9.

For queries or questions about Journalism Matters please contact Paul Sinker paul@newsmediauk.org or Laura Skerrett laura@newsmediauk.org.