Read on Twitter
Our #lovelocalnews campaign, with @NUJofficial @ICNNUK & @PINewsF highlighted how important local journalism is. It fulfils a unique role in times of crisis and it's crucial to protect and support it. Here's a THREAD with just a few of the reasons why: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/blog/2020-05-26/how-do-i-love-thee-local-news-let-me-count-the-ways
On Merseyside, @LiamThorpECHO investigated why the region has been hit particularly hard by coronavirus. His work for @LivEchonews used data journalism and traditional reporting to analyse the impacts of inequality and austerity. #lovelocalnews https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/people-liverpool-potentially-more-vulnerable-18141278
The pandemic response has had some successes. @BelfastLive's @ShaunaReports wrote about how the city's council worked with charities and volunteers to help get all rough sleepers off the streets and support them into accommodation. #lovelocalnews https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/coronavirus-pandemic-sees-homeless-people-18009375
Local journalism is often the only way for some communities to have their voices heard. @WalesOnline's @WillHayCardiff reported on the "forgotten" people living in the shadow of the M4 in Newport and its dangerous levels of pollution. #lovelocalnews https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/forgotten-people-left-grow-up-17920075
Campaigning local journalism can highlight issues which might otherwise be overlooked a series of reports for @LeedsNews, led by @SusieMayJourno highlighted the experiences of rape survivors in the Leeds area. #lovelocalnews https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/politics/yep-campaign-over-west-yorkshire-rape-prosecution-rates-raised-parliament-1364557
The @TheBristolCable suffered a backlash after debunking theories linking coronavirus to 5G. It responded with an editorial reasserting the importance of providing facts in the face of fiction and empowering everyone with information. #lovelocalnews https://thebristolcable.org/2020/04/editorial-5g-coronavirus-conspiracy-theorists-are-attacking-the-cable/
Good local journalism also has the power to stand up for the vulnerable and inspire concrete change. @SeaninGraham22's reporting for @irish_news highlighted the scale of abuse at the Muckamore Abbey Hospital in County Antrim. #lovelocalnews https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2019/10/14/news/confidential-nhs-investigation-reveals-whistleblower-raised-the-alarm-about-muckamore-abuse-seven-years-ago-1737762/
Important local reporting doesn't have to be "hard" news. @DebLuxon's piece for @Cambslive, on the Cambridge Lesbian Line, told the story of the five women who set up the service in 1979 and their personal and financial challenges. #lovelocalnews https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/70s-lesbian-feminist-phone-line-18147065
Hyperlocal publications like @LochsidePress provide a crucial service to their communities. They shared a simple but important story, mapping the empty properties owned by Argyll & Bute council. #lovelocalnews https://thelochsidepress.com/2017/05/31/yours-for-1-or-less-mapping-the-empty-property-owned-by-our-council/
Telling inspiring personal stories is something that local journalists are uniquely placed to do. @kjbailes spoke to Aram Rawf, for @IsleThanetNews about his journey from kidnap and torture in war-torn Iraq to becoming a councillor in Broadstairs. https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2020/02/08/one-mans-journey-from-torture-and-war-to-caring-for-the-thanet-community/
Journalist @rebeccamaer only set up @bhbugle Bugle in March but she's already had remarkable success by telling the stories of those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, including the struggles of fish and chip shop owner Martyn Jupp. #lovelocalnews https://burgesshillbugle.wordpress.com/2020/04/13/the-fish-and-chip-shop-owner/
It’s been great to see the work of investigative journalists of the future too. Year 8 pupils @MeadowheadSch in Sheffield worked with @studentvieworg to produce a range of data-driven stories on issues they care about in their local area. https://www.meadowhead.sheffield.sch.uk/news/?pid=663&nid=19&storyid=307
And finally...local news can provide light relief through stories of kindness. @leamcourier reported on Rachel Turner’s mission to bring a bit of happiness to her customers by delivering gifts, while riding a bike, dressed as a chicken. #lovelocalnews https://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/people/have-you-seen-bright-yellow-chicken-riding-bike-around-leamington-2547983
