Your go-to newsletter for all things independent media
Your source for independent media news and insights
Welcome to the refreshed edition of Media Matters, the go-to newsletter for all things related to the ever-evolving independent media landscape.
We've revamped the newsletter to better suit the wants and needs of Independent Media Association (IMA) members. Originally a trade newsletter for independent media publishers in the UK, we've transformed into a dynamic online platform offering a wealth of industry news, trends, and opportunities. Our new format includes media jobs, event listings, a curated diversity reading list, and the latest content from independent media publishers themselves. We're committed to keeping you informed, engaged, and inspired.
Not only has the newsletter been refreshed, but the Media Matters website has also undergone a glow-up!
Our mission remains the same: to provide unparalleled insights by sharing the thinking and perspectives from journalists and publishers who uphold the highest standards of journalism and media excellence. Established by the IMA, Media Matters connects with audiences far and wide. We rely on the input of our valued IMA members to curate content that matters most to our community. Together, we can champion quality journalism and media excellence, shining a light on the stories that truly matter.
If you have a story to share, we encourage you to reach out to us via email at community@ima.press. We're excited to hear from you!
As we strive for continuous improvement, we value your feedback. Following this edition, we will reach out to our members to understand what's working and how we can further enhance our offerings. This collaborative approach ensures that Media Matters evolves alongside your needs and aspirations.
Industry News and Trends
Bristol Cable Team Takes Steps to Improve Diversity Among Freelancers: Learn how The Bristol Cable is prioritising diversity within their team of freelancers and their efforts to foster inclusivity in their content. Read more
Reflecting on The Canary's International Coverage: Gain insights from The Canary team as they reflect on their international coverage, highlighting recent criticisms. Read more
Study Reveals Journalism's Struggle to Attract Recruits from Disadvantaged Backgrounds: Read about a new study shedding light on the ongoing challenge of recruiting journalists from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the implications for the industry. Read more
DMGT and Daily Mail Telegraph Acquisition – A Market Share Analysis: Explore the details and implications of DMGT's acquisition of the Daily Mail and Telegraph, and its potential impact on the media market. Read more
IMPRESS Members Nominated for Magazine Honours at BSME Talent Awards: Discover the achievements of IMPRESS members who have been nominated for magazine honours at the BSME Talent Awards. Read more
Latest Content from Independent Media
The Environmental Impact of Brazilian Beef Production: Uncover the shocking truth behind the destruction of nearly a billion trees to meet the demand for Brazilian beef, as revealed by The Bureau. Read more
Prince Harry Makes Court History with Revelations on Hacking Conspiracy: Delve into the historic court case where Prince Harry accuses Piers Morgan of conspiring to hack Princess Diana's phone, with revealing insights from Byline Times. Read more
Labour Candidate Barred from Re-election as North Tyne Mayor: Get the latest on the North Tyne mayoral election from Co-op News, where Jamie Driscoll, a Labour candidate, has been barred from seeking re-election. Read more
IRA Bombers Captured Were Innocent: Explore the exclusive report by Declassified UK, highlighting the innocence of the IRA bombers captured by Ben Wallace. Read more
Telford Sex Ring Survivor Confronts Far-Right Exploitation: Discover the first-hand account of a survivor of the Telford sex ring and their experience of being exploited by the far-right, as reported by OpenDemocracy. Read more
Funding Opportunities
BFI Doc Society – Made of Truth: Apply for funding through the BFI Doc Society, supporting the production of impactful documentary shorts. Read more
UN Video Competition: Explore PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, which offers a global platform for creators to showcase their storytelling skills and contribute to positive change. Under 25s only. Read more
Pulitzer Center's Ocean Reporting Network Fellowship Opportunities: Aspiring journalists and storytellers worldwide can apply for fellowships with the Pulitzer Center's Ocean Reporting Network to cover pressing ocean-related issues. Read more
Grants Available for Environmental Journalism in Europe: Environmental journalists can access investigation grants specifically designed for environmental reporting in Europe. Read more
Apply for a Grant from the Fund for Investigative Journalism: Journalists can apply for grants from the Fund for Investigative Journalism to support their investigative reporting projects. US-focused. Read more
Media Jobs and Opportunities
Campaign Coordinator at Media Reform Coalition: MRC is seeking a Campaign Coordinator to join their team and contribute to their dynamic media campaigns. Read more
Deputy Editor Position at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism: TBIJ is hiring a Deputy Editor to join their team, offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to their valuable investigative journalism. Read more
Investigations Editor at Liberty Investigates: Apply for a role in Liberty’s investigative journalism newsroom, which launched in 2020. Read more
Freelance Campaign Organisers: Join a passionate team of freelance campaign organisers at PINF and contribute to regional and national campaigns that make a difference. They’re still looking for South and Northern Ireland organisers. Read more
Head of Media Advocacy at IPPR: Think Tank is seeking a Head of Media Advocacy to provide maternity cover and contribute to their influential work in the field of public policy. Read more
Updates on Media Policy and Legislation
Sir Brian Leveson argues the “value of Leveson Part Two has substantially increased”
In an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s World at One, Sir Brian Leveson was critical of the lack of progress on implementing the recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry Part One, and argued that the value of Part Two had “substantially increased”.
Sir Brian said,
“In 2018, I opposed the proposition that [Leveson] Part Two be abandoned.
“My view, for what it’s worth, is that with the real importance of social media and the challenges to factual accuracy becoming the subject of even greater public focus, the value of Part Two appears to have been substantially increased….
“I was disappointed that rather more wasn’t done by way of my inquiry.”
When the Government cancelled Leveson Part Two, the Minister appeared to claim, in the House of Commons, that Sir Brian Leveson agreed with them. It was later revealed that Sir Brian had opposed this decision, along with the majority of respondents to the Government’s own consultation (the results of which the Government was also accused of misrepresenting).
It is open to a future government to re-establish Leveson Part Two.
Re-published courtesy of Hacked Off. Read more
Diversity Reading List
Pride Month: Focus on What LGBTQIA+ Folks Truly Want
Gain insights into what the LGBTQIA+ community wants the focus to be during Pride Month, shared by the team at Queer AF. Read more
Practical Tips and Techniques
Conversations - Building Worker Co-operatives: Discover the Workers.coop series "Conversations," which offers valuable insights into building and sustaining worker cooperatives. Read more
How to Start a Worker Co-operative: Explore a comprehensive guide on starting a worker cooperative, again brought to you by Workers.coop. Read more
Co-ops Congress 2023: Come along to Co-ops Congress this Friday and Saturday, an the annual event celebrating the power and potential of co-operatives. Read more
Journo Resources Launches Institution Membership Scheme for Universities: Discover the new institution membership scheme offered by Journo Resources, providing universities with valuable resources to support aspiring journalists. Read more
Ideas and Resources for Publishers: Some ideas and resources from PINF for publishers from this year's Public Interest News Index. Read more
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!
Excellent work on this, it's so useful.