A RECENT reception in Buckingham Palace was held to support journalists and reporters working in regional newspapers.
Both the King and Queen were present, and they spent time circulating and meeting many of the 400 guests at the drinks reception on 26th March. Senior executives and industry leaders were present, as well as the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
King Charles issued a statement on the day of the meeting, emphasising that local newspapers can play a key role in reporting on present day events:
“I have long believed that regional media has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.
“As I said in a speech to mark the tercentenary [three-hundredth anniversary] of Britain’s first daily national newspaper, back in 2002, the Press, alongside other long-standing institutions, is at the forefront of ‘defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation’.
“Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground-up, at local level, in your hands.
“Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing. Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow.
“You won’t always get it right. A free media is one that will and does make mistakes. But at its best, it is a cornerstone of our democracy.
“I know how commercial pressures and changing technologies have had a significant impact on your industry. But as the media landscape has changed, so too many of you have adapted and innovated, finding ways of sharing your journalism and engaging audiences in new and creative ways.
“It is in everyone’s interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.“
The majority of guests were grassroots journalists, with staff invited from the largest regional newspaper titles to the smallest.
Among those meeting the King was Tony James, 89, who writes for a Somerset local newspaper and who may be the oldest working local newspaper journalist.
The team at the Glamorgan Star newspaper have more than 60 years of combined experience behind them and are serving the community by upholding traditional values with high editorial standards that protect the public and freedom of expression.
It campaigns on its readers behalf, reporting on local issues and celebrating good news, and has established itself as the newspaper at the heart of the community.
The newspaper does not need clicks or page views. It just needs readers to feel informed and entertained and a valued member of the local community with the opportunity to engage in debate while being respectful to all who make their voice heard.
The free printed and digital newspaper is supported by many local businesses and organisations that are able to promote and advertise themselves to the Glamorgan Star’s 33,000 independently verified readers.
Finally, the Glamorgan Star’s published newspapers are stored and archived at both the British Library and the National Library of Wales and will be available to be viewed by anyone for many decades and centuries to come.
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