Scotland-wide network of independent publishers announced
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Industry news and trends
The new fake news: how much of a threat does AI pose to journalism? An investigation has revealed that several stories published by a new local news site were made up. So were the journalists who ‘wrote’ them. A Bristol Cable analysis. Read more
Inside #IndyMedia podcast with Turn Left Media. Turn Left is a YouTube channel founded by Curtis Daly, focusing on socialism. Listen now
Julian Assange spends his 5th birthday in prison while his wife meets with Pope Francis. The man who revolutionised journalism forever – providing a safe space where people could hold the powerful to account would be discredited, persecuted and arbitrarily detained, all for exposing truths and defending our freedoms. Watch now
Scottish Beacon publications announced. The Scottish Beacon are building a collaborative Scotland-wide network, connecting independently-run local and hyperlocal newsrooms serving urban and rural communities. Read more
IMA Annual General Meeting (AGM). The IMA has announced its AGM, taking place online on Thursday 10 August 2023 at 12pm. Details have been circulated to members via email and WhatsApp, including new policies and the IMA’s new strategy for comments. A vote on the new policies and strategy will follow a couple of weeks before the AGM.
Latest content from independent media
14% of the world’s food is wasted. Journal Times reports global food waste generates losses of about 400,000 million dollars each year and implies the wastage of 14% of the food produced worldwide. Read more
UK Finance proposes £5,000 limit for digital pound. Market Times reports earlier this year, the Bank of England and the UK Finance Ministry published a consultation document for the design of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Read more
Lawyer reviewing Britain’s sex education acted for anti-LGBT lobby group. openDemocracy reports Alasdair Henderson represented Christian Concern, which has also campaigned against educating kids about contraception. Read more
Participatory Budgeting: What needs to happen in England. The Prisma reports there have been signs of new interest in PB in London. It offers a parallel democratic process to elections and is open to immigrants without the right to vote. Read more
Britain tried to sell China £100m of cluster bombs. Declassified UK reports Margaret Thatcher’s government was willing to export the controversial weapon to Beijing if the Chinese Communist Party placed a large enough order. Read more
Funding opportunities
Thrive Together Fund. Unrestricted funding package (75% loan and 25% grant) are available for small and medium-sized charities and social enterprise based in England that are working to improve people’s lives or the environment in which they live and who are looking to grow or diversify their business models. Read more
Scottish Borders Council – Community-Led Local Development Fund. Grants are available to support constituted community organisations that are tackling the cost of living and climate crises and working with under-represented communities in the Scottish Borders. Read more
Participatory Arts and Mental Health Fund. Grants are available to voluntary, not-for-profit organisations and groups in Scotland to deliver participatory arts projects. Live journalism, anyone? Read more
Media jobs and opportunities
Applications Now Open For The 2023 Journo Resources Fellowship. The Journo Resources Fellowship Programme is specifically designed for people looking to break into the journalism industry. It offers tailored training, 1-2-1 mentoring and a paid commission for their website. Read more
Education, Ethics, Training & Development Manager, IMPRESS. The Education Manager (KTP Associate) will work in collaboration with Impress and the University of Huddersfield as part of an exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), funded by Innovate UK, for a fixed term of 34 months. Read more
Deputy Editor, Journo Resources. JR are looking for a part-time deputy editor to help them realise their goals and push the site forward in 2023 and beyond. Read more
Updates on media policy and legislation
Meghan Markle, Sexism & The Sun: Demand accountability
Last year, The Sun sparked public outrage when it published an article detailing Jeremy Clarkson’s ‘dream’ for Meghan Markle to be attacked in the street.
Over 25,000 complaints were made. Complaints-handler IPSO dismissed most of these, but did pursue four complaints from the Fawcett Society and the Wilde Foundation. These complaints alleged sexism, racism, inaccuracy and harassment. And on Friday June 30th, IPSO announced that the complaint of sexism has been upheld.
This is the first time in IPSO’s entire history that it has upheld a complaint of sexism against any newspaper. But it’s not enough – in fact, this decision doesn’t even require any further action from The Sun, beyond the publication of an adjudication inside the paper.
It has taken over five months for the complaints handler to reach what is a bare minimum decision.
The individuals responsible for publishing this article have not faced any regulatory sanction at all.
That’s why Hacked Off are now calling for a standards investigation into The Sun newspaper.
Diversity reading list
Why LGBTQ+ representation in the media must go further, with Jamie Wareham
“There is an inherent value in having us in the newsroom. Not just because we’ll be able to tell queer stories. But because we can bring our unique lived experiences to the table.”
In this blog post, Impress spoke to Jamie Wareham, founder and editor of QueerAF.
Practical tips and techniques
Massive sale on for Proton Mail Anniversary. Many newsrooms use end-to-end encrypted email service Proton. Save up to 40% if you buy an annual subscription in the next 24 hours. Read more
Central Co-op to offer debt-free degrees for external candidates. The management course will cover modules ranging from communication and business finance to data analysis and decision-making. Read more
Want to feature on the IMA’s podcast, Inside #IndyMedia? Where we meet independent newsrooms up and down the country. Email us
Share your wins and successes
We want to hear about your achievements and successes in the independent media landscape. Share your stories with us at community@ima.press and inspire others with your journey.
Be Featured in the Newsletter
If you're working on an exciting project in the independent media industry and would like to be interviewed for our newsletter, get in touch with us at community@ima.press. We look forward to showcasing your work!