View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
May 8, 2019updated 30 Sep 2022 7:45am

Reach appoints first community news reporters under Facebook-funded scheme

By James Walker

Reach has appointed its first community news reporters paid for by a Facebook-funded scheme run by the UK’s main journalism training body.

The publisher of the Mirror, Express and Star newspapers is set to receive 28 out of a total of 82 local reporters being hired through the Community News Project and paid for by a £4.5m grant from the tech giant.

Its first community news reporters have been placed in counties and cities across the country – including Bristol, Derby and Surrey.

Facebook revealed it would be funding project in November, pledging to pay the salaries, expenses and training costs for new journalists.

Behind Local News, a blog run by publishers, has reported that recruits from the scheme will go on a “Facebook bootcamp” in the summer before starting training with the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Speaking to the website, new Derbyshire Live community reporter Ria Tesia said: “I am thrilled to be a part of the Reach family. I am an avid reader of the Derby Telegraph and have been since university.

“I look forward to working with a talented team whose warm welcome has already made me feel like a valued member of the team.”

Wales Online hire Kynaat Awan added: “I look forward to the training I will receive and making those important contacts in the community. I hope to grow in my confidence and writing skills throughout my experience.”

Rival regional publisher Newsquest has also taken on its first set of community news reporters, including a 36-year-old from Poland now living in Bicester. It will take on 23 reporters in total under the scheme.

The breakdown of community reporters being assigned to publishers is as follows:

  • Reach – 28 reporters
  • Newsquest – 23 reporters
  • JPI Media – 19 reporters
  • Archant – four reporters
  • Midlands News Association – three reporters
  • Kent Messenger Group – two reporters

The Barnsley Chronicle, Newbury Weekly News and Maidenhead Advertiser will all be getting one community reporter each as the situation stands.

The Community News Project will be led by Independent executive editor Will Gore from June on behalf of the NCTJ.

Picture: Reuters/Eric Gaillard

Topics in this article : ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly dose of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network