You are invited: Event on the future of local journalism in scotland
We're excited to announce our first public event, to be held in Edinburgh on 7th June as part of 'Indie News Week' and the 'No News is Bad News' campaign.
This week we’re excited to share that we are holding our first public event – happening in Edinburgh that will take place during the first UK wide ‘indie news week’ happening as part of the ‘No News is Bad News’ campaign from the Public Interest News Foundation.
The campaign 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.
We want to hold an event that brings to the light the value of independent public interest news providers in Scotland’s communities and discusses the challenges they face, with a lively day of talks, workshops and discussions.
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 in panels and workshops
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
Confirmed speakers (STC) include:
Members of the Scottish Beacon collaborative; Jen Stout, speaking about her new book ‘Night train to Odesa’; Juliana da Penha, founder of Migrant Women Press; Members of the Scottish Govt Working group on future of public interest journalism including Richard Walker; Gabriella Bennet, Women in Journalism Scotland; Richard Leonard MSP; Hani Barghouthi, Public Interest Journalism Foundation; Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ Scotland; Talat Yaqoob, Pass the Mic; Clare Harris, Local Storytelling Exchange; Rhiannon Davies, founder Greater Govanhill, The Scottish Beacon, The Community Newsroom… many more to be confirmed!
Tickets are limited, so book yours while you can!
We also have sponsorship packages available. If you care about the future of community-based news are interested in partnering with us, please email rhiannon@scottishbeacon.com
The Scottish Beacon partners on… The Visitor Levy
One topic of interest shared by partners based in tourist destinations is how the proposed Visitor Levy Bill (currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament) will affect different areas. Our partners worked on stories about how it might impact their communities and local people’s responses to that.
The Scottish Beacon/Greater Govanhill: The Visitor Levy: How it works in other cities
As local authorities across Scotland consider implementing a visitor levy, we wanted to highlight the different approaches other cities across Europe have taken.
C&B News: Proposed ‘Visitor Levy’ Will Have Little Benefit for Local Pentland Businesses
Some local business owners have cast their doubts on the proposed "Visitor Levy", which they say would have little benefit for Petland businesses, ahead of a vote on the Bill in June.
The Orkney News: Inclusions and exclusions as Visitor Levy Bill passes stage 2
Which visitors to Orkney should be paying a locally administered tax for staying here and which visitors shouldn’t?
The Broughton Spurtle: The visitor levy as leverage – views from Leith
The Broughton Spurtle took to the streets to gather feedback on the council's ideas for spending any income from the visitor levy on park improvements.
Also on our website…
The Ileach: From the ashes – Port Ellen Distillery re-opens
Port Ellen Distillery was originally established as a malt mill in 1825. It has a long history, with many recorded openings, closures and subsequent re-openings over the years. This article explores the history of the building, as well it's latest opening in March of this year.
Migrant Women Press: Forging the Path: the rise of Black migrant women entrepreneurs in Scotland
An in-depth discussion with entrepreneurs and experts in workplace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sheds light on the challenges encountered by Black migrant women workers in traditional employment settings and the entrepreneurial paths forged in response.
News from our partners…
The Scottish Trade Unions Conference affirmed the importance of local media in sustaining local democracy. It called for members to support the new Scottish Beacon network providing mutual support and information for “grassroots, hyperlocal and community news providers.”
Greater Govanhill is currently hiring for a finance and funding officer.
Some of our Scottish Beacon partners will be taking part in a Citizens Agenda approach to election coverage, which puts people back in charge of the narrative when it comes to reporting on the General Election in our communities. More info coming soon.
Greater Govanhill has won the Reporting Communities Award at the Regional Press Awards.