No News is Bad News: The future of local journalism in Scotland

No News is Bad News: The future of local journalism in Scotland

Date: Friday 7 June

Time: 10am – 4pm

Location: Grassmarket Community Project & Coffee Saints Cafe

Come join us for a lively discussion on the future of local journalism in Scotland! This event will bring together journalists, community members, and industry experts to explore the challenges and opportunities facing local news outlets. From the rise of digital media to the impact of social media, we'll delve into how journalism is evolving Scotland's communities. Don't miss out on this insightful event!

About The Scottish Beacon

The Scottish Beacon is a collaborative network of 24 publications based all across Scotland – from Shetland in the north to Dumfries and Galloway in the south. The Beacon was launched in 2023 as both: a network to connect independent publishers, and share skills, resources and story collaborations; and a platform to amplify stories from Scotland’s communities.

About 'No News is Bad News'

The ‘No News is Bad News’ campaign from the Public Interest News Foundation is founded on the belief that a well-informed community is more able to act together to shape its own future, that local news is fundamental to a healthy democratic society and invaluable in helping to create strong communities.

Despite this, independent community news providers are struggling to generate enough revenue to carry out their invaluable work, putting local democracy, civic engagement, and community cohesion at risk.

Indie News Week aims to combat this by allowing community members to directly engage with local news outlets to better understand their contributions. This week-long celebration of independent news outlets will consist of a range of activities organised within communities across the UK.

What to expect

• A packed day of inspiring panels, lightning talks, interactive workshops and conversations.
• A chance to network with others interested in public interest journalism
• Lunch and teas/coffees provided.

Topics covered ( More TBC)

• The future of local news and its role in communities
• How policies can better support public interest journalism
• Diversifying the news - why representation matters
• The possibility of a Scottish Public Interest Journalism Institute
• Funding journalism 
• Reporting from Ukraine
• Influencing behaviour change through climate reporting

Speakers (more TBC)

• Jen Stout, speaking about her new book ‘Night train to Odesa’
• Members of the Scottish Beacon collaborative
• Juliana da Penha, founder of Migrant Women Press
• Members of the Scottish Govt Working group on future of public interest journalism
• Richard Leonard MSP
• Richard Walker, Scottish Public Interest Journalism Institute working group
• Gabriella Bennet, Women in Journalism Scotland
• Hani Barghouthi, Public Interest Journalism Foundation
• Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ Scotland
• Talat Yaqoob, Pass the Mic
• Clare Harris, Local Storytelling Exchange

Host or Publisher The Scottish Beacon