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A unique £15,000 Local News Fund for Newry is opening for applications this Monday 27 May to help bolster Newry's local news ecosystem by providing financial support to diverse local news outlets and aspiring journalists.
Sameer Padania, Project Director this week announced the fund, a response to the existential threat that economic pressures and digital transformations have brought to local news outlets.
It's part of a Local News Plan project instigated by the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) in late 2022 which saw 6 meetings organised at locations throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with the Newry one attended by a large number of community, political, business and funding representatives who heard of the challenges faced by local news outlets and discussed potential solutions. Because of the success of the Newry meeting, the city was chosen as the location to launch the UK’s very first Local News Fund. Local woman Kayley Curtis engaged with the community in recent months to help shape the fund.
Who is the Fund for?
The Fund targets two primary beneficiaries:
1: Local news outlets: Print, digital, audio, video or otherwise, aiming to enhance their business operations and sustainability, whether singly or in partnership. Applicants must be members of IMPRESS, IPSO, ICNN or similar industry or professional bodies with clear ethical codes.
2: Young journalists (<25) from Newry and surrounding areas, facilitating pathways into local journalism in Newry either with an idea of their own, or to part-subsidise them to work with an existing local outlet
The launch marks a pivotal moment in commitment to nurturing our collective journalism ecosystem. With your support, PINF are confident that local news will survive and thrive for the near future and for future generations, contributing to the resilience and vibrancy of our communities, in Newry, and hopefully far beyond.
Local news is a lifeline for communities, connecting individuals, and fostering active citizenship. Yet, in the face of economic challenges and evolving media landscapes, sustaining local journalism has become increasingly difficult. The initiative aims to help communities take the future of local news into their own hands. This came out of the Local News Plans project PINF ran in 2022 and 2023.
Why Local News Matters
Local news isn't just about headlines; it's the pulse of our communities. From social change to everyday occurrences, local journalism keeps us informed, engaged, and connected. However, in recent years, economic pressures and digital transformations have threatened the existence of local news outlets worldwide, leaving communities underserved and disconnected.
Funding and Structure
Thanks to a generous donation from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Public Interest News Foundation is ready to start making grants from the £15,000 fund. Additional funding, however, ideally at least £35,000, will allow them to partner with the Community Foundation Northern Ireland, amplifying the Newry Fund’s impact across NI as a whole.
Community Engagement
At the heart of the Local News Fund lies community input and governance. Three community members will join the grants decision-making panel, ensuring that local voices guide our efforts. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiables, with regular updates and community involvement in the fund's evolution.
Application Process
Applications open on May 27th, with a simple eligibility check and short idea description. (Once applications open we will update this page with details)
The deadline for initial applications is June 7th, followed by a detailed application stage ending on June 21st. The PINF team will assess applications based on set criteria, shortlist candidates, support them to develop a final proposal (which they will own) and convene the grants panel for final decisions.
Grant Allocation
Anticipating quality applications the Local News Fund would expect to allocate the entire £15,000 in this round. Grants, ranging from £3,000 to £6,000, will be awarded based on project merit and impact potential.
Get Involved
The success of the Local News Fund hinges on community support. Here's how you can contribute:
- Donate: Support local journalism and young talent in Newry by donating to the Local News Fund.
- Offer Benefits: Extend advertising support, joint fundraising opportunities, or discounts to shortlisted applicants.
- Engage: Volunteer as a grants panel member or participate in the Fund's governance.
- Spread the word: Share information about the Fund with young people and journalists in and around Newry.
