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NEWS AND BLOG


PINF launches £100,000 Tenacious Journalist Awards
Changing Ideas and the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) today announced the second annual Tenacious Journalist Awards, designed to support UK journalists and small news organisations in producing high-impact journalism. Funded by Changing Ideas, recipients of the Tenacious Journalist Awards will receive: A grant of £10,000 to produce public interest journalism. Up to eight months of coaching and mentoring support tailored to their needs. Access to networks includ

Independent Media Association
6 hours ago


Google's impact on UK independent publishing – 2nd round survey
The Independent Media Association (IMA), Independent Community News Network (ICNN) and the Independent Publishers Alliance (IPA) are launching a second survey on how Google impacts publishing in the UK. This survey aims to fill some gaps in our data, particularly in terms of web traffic and revenue. This data is vital to establish a robust valuation that we can take into negotiations with Google. On 10 October, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that Goo

Independent Media Association
Nov 13


Meta’s growing crackdown on independent media – and why publishers must look beyond Facebook
In recent months a series of high‑profile incidents have shown how Meta can cripple independent newsrooms and journalists. The cases below illustrate a clear pattern: vague “account‑integrity” or “spam” violations, limited chances to appeal and a sudden loss of a vital traffic source. Leicester Gazette’s election ban The Leicester Gazette – an independent newspaper in Leicestershire – was abruptly blocked from Facebook for allegedly breaching Meta’s “account‑integrity” stan

Independent Media Association
Nov 9


How Generative AI is reshaping search and online safety
AI search is having a massive impact on publishers, with many seeing steep declines in referral traffic. Ofcom have produced a report titled The Era of Answer Engines: Generative AI’s impact on search experiences and online safety , looking at some of the issues around AI search. This is a summary of that report. The rise of generative AI (GenAI) is redefining the way we look for information online. Where traditional search engines like Google or Bing delivered ranked lists o

Independent Media Association
Nov 7


Media Liberation Day: What you need to know and how you can get involved
The most important stories of our times are missing from the front pages. Toxic headlines don’t stop at print. They shape TV bulletins, digital and state broadcasts, spread through social media, and become “the word on the street.” This Media Liberation Day, take a stand. What? On 5 November, place an A4 “ cover page ” over newspaper front pages – especially billionaire-owned press – in shops, newsagents, and public spaces. Why ? Every Cover Story in the run-up to MLD buil

Independent Media Association
Oct 29


CMA designates Google as holding ‘Strategic Market Status’ – what it means for our coalition and what’s next
On 10 October, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that Google now holds Strategic Market Status (SMS) under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) . In practice, this means the regulator is treating Google as a digital monopoly . That designation opens a new chapter for our coalition* – we can now sit down with Google in formal negotiations . The CMA hasn’t released the accompanying Conduct Requirements yet, so the exact procedural

Independent Media Association
Oct 29


Reflections from the Local News Forum 2025
The Independent Media Association (IMA) was thrilled to take part in PINF’s Local News Forum 2025 in Leicester on 10/11 October. About 65 people turned up – from tiny village papers in Devon to bustling city titles in Suffolk, plus think‑tanks, civic‑tech groups, academics and funders. It felt like a big family gathering for anyone who cares about local journalism. Amplify / Devon Winters Eliot Higgins of Bellingcat opened the first day with his “Demanufacturing Consent” talk

Independent Media Association
Oct 22


Impress launch ‘Creating Ethical Media and Journalism’ course
Impress, the UK’s only independent press regulator, launched their new ethical journalism course today (15 October). Built in collaboration with the University of Huddersfield, Creating Ethical Media and Journalism has also received accreditation from the CPD Certification Service , meaning participants know they will receive professional development of the highest possible standard and receive a qualification for their work. Featuring more than 40 hours of content, Creating

Independent Media Association
Oct 14


Google’s stranglehold on Discover, Gemini, and YouTube threatens the survival of independent UK publishers
Google’s stranglehold on Discover, Gemini, and YouTube threatens the survival of independent UK publishers. Here’s how. 1. Google...

Independent Media Association
Oct 9


The Hacking Scandal: why independent press regulation is important
In 2011, the UK was rocked by a scandal that still echoes through our newsrooms. The News of the World was found to have hacked the...

Independent Media Association
Oct 8


Turning News into Action: Engaging Gen Z and Millennials Locally
By: Yara El Murr (managing editor) and Anita Li (publisher) It’s undeniable that the public — especially Gen Zs and Millennials — are...

Independent Media Association
Sep 24


Google Discover now makes up two-thirds of search traffic
Since its rebranding and relaunch in 2018, publishers have increasingly relied on referrals from Google Discover, which is accessible...

Independent Media Association
Sep 17


Authentic AF: Real Talk for Real Creators
Regulation is changing – how will you meet legal requirements, while maintaining brand safety and audience trust? How can you prevent...

Independent Media Association
Aug 27


Take control of your publishing platforms and talk directly to your audience
Independent media publishers struggle to connect with their audiences online. Social media platforms, which were once thought to be open...

Independent Media Association
Jul 30


Our joint submission on Google's strategic market status: A call for fairness in digital journalism
We have responded to an invitation from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to comment on their proposal decision to designate...

Independent Media Association
Jul 23


Who’s who? The groups championing independent media in the UK
In December last year, a report commissioned by the Democracy Fund examined journalism support organisations in the US. The report...

Independent Media Association
Jul 16


Google's AI Overviews pose a threat to independent journalism - Here's what we're doing about it
On 27 May 2025, Foxglove, Prospect Magazine, and the Independent Publishers Alliance filed a formal complaint to the Competition and...

Independent Media Association
Jul 9


What is collective bargaining? Plus, other key terms explained
As we begin forming our collective bargaining coalition, we’ll be using various terms and concepts that may be new to some. We have made...

Independent Media Association
Jun 11


Why civil society should champion independent media in the UK
TLDR; Independent media reaches active, engaged audiences that help achieve real impact. You shouldn’t fund or support media...

Independent Media Association
Apr 30


Brazil: Reporters Without Borders takes a stand against Big Tech
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way we gather information, and its impact was a hot topic at November’s G20 Summit in Rio...

Independent Media Association
Apr 25


IMA members agree to collectively bargain with Big Tech
IMA members have agreed to form a coalition with other media associations to collectively negotiate with Big Tech under the Digital...

Independent Media Association
Apr 23


Joint submission to Strategic Market Status Investigation into Google’s General Search and Search Advertising Services
This is the joint submission by Impress, the Independent Media Association and the Media Reform Coalition in response to the Digital...

Independent Media Association
Mar 26


UK's new DMCC Act lets publishers challenge Big Tech head on
TLDR: A coalition of media publishers is forming to negotiate with Google, do you want to be a part of it? Various professional media...

Independent Media Association
Mar 20


Statement on BBC local websites row
An opinion piece co-authored by six senior editorial executives in corporate regional media was carried in numerous local titles yesterday,

Independent Media Association
Dec 6, 2023


Who owns the UK Media?
New research identifies excessive levels of media concentration in UK's newspapers, TV, radio and online media sectors

Independent Media Association
Oct 30, 2023


IMA Statement on the Targeting of Journalists in the Israel-Gaza Conflict
The Independent Media Association (IMA) strongly condemns the ongoing attacks on journalists and media outlets by Israeli forces in the Isra

Independent Media Association
Oct 17, 2023


A clear shift towards commercial radio
Once again, this is a reminder of how extensive reach can be through radio.

Independent Media Association
Sep 5, 2023


Project Oasis, a new directory and report about independent digital native media in Europe
Project Oasis, a new European digital media directory and a report compiling the findings of year-long research is now available. To...

Independent Media Association
May 3, 2023


How to create a Wikipedia page for your media organisation
All Wikipedia pages are created by accessing a page title that does not yet exist, which is denoting with a red link instead of a blue link.

Independent Media Association
Apr 12, 2023


The UK has a responsibility to free Assange
The Independent Media Association (IMA) today marked the 4th anniversary of Julian Assange's imprisonment with a stark reminder that press f

Independent Media Association
Apr 11, 2023


IMA writes to the Government over plans to repeal press freedom provision Section 40
The Government has today published the Draft Media Bill, which includes the repeal of section 40.

Independent Media Association
Mar 29, 2023


Meet the Members: Lacuna Voices
In a world where clickbait and sensationalism dominate the media, Lacuna Voices offers a refreshing alternative.

Independent Media Association
Mar 28, 2023


Meet the members: Clydesider Magazine
Clydesider Magazine is a unique publication that showcases the creativity and resilience of the West Dunbartonshire community in Scotland.

Independent Media Association
Mar 21, 2023


Join us at Media Democracy Festival
Every year, the Media Democracy Festival brings together academics, activists and decision-makers to understand what’s going on in the medi

Independent Media Association
Mar 21, 2023


Ten By Six: Milk The Cow Podcast
Milk The Cow seeks non-corporate voices that explore reality and not propaganda.

Independent Media Association
Mar 16, 2023


Ten By Six: The Primsa
The Prisma is a multicultural international media with 130 volunteers from across the planet.

Independent Media Association
Mar 15, 2023


Ten By Six: Queer AF
Queer AF is a media set up to disseminate news stories about LGBTQIA+ to its readership.

Independent Media Association
Mar 14, 2023


Online Safety Bill: Where now?
A quick update on what's happening with the Online Safety Bill with the Independent Media Association's Campaigns Secretary, Nathan Sparks f

Independent Media Association
Mar 7, 2023


Meet the Members: Gen-Z Talks Magazine
Generation-Z often fall victim to a narrative that is recycled by older generations: that we are “snowflakes” who have little concern for an

Independent Media Association
Mar 7, 2023


Ten By Six: New Internationalist
Jason Cridland talks to Amy Hall, Co-Editor of New Internationalist.

Independent Media Association
Feb 28, 2023


Open Letter: Gen-Z Talks condemns Online Safety Bill
Below is an open letter from Gen-Z Talks to Peers in the House of Lords. Gen-Z Talks is an online magazine aimed at young people

Independent Media Association
Feb 28, 2023


Ten by Six: The Canary
Jason Cridland talks to Afroze Fatima Zaidi, an editor at The Canary.

Independent Media Association
Feb 27, 2023


Meet our members: Great Central Gazette
The Great Central Gazette, a new co-operative newspaper launching next month in Leicester, is making waves for its innovative approach.

Independent Media Association
Feb 27, 2023


IMA and PINF seek interest for independent media messaging campaign
Interested in helping us craft the messaging for a PR campaign for indie publishers?

Independent Media Association
Feb 20, 2023


IMA responds to Online Safety Bill
The Independent Media Association (IMA), along with Hacked Off, are deeply concerned about the recognised news publisher exemption proposed

Independent Media Association
Feb 20, 2023


Ten By Six: African Voices Platform
Jason Cridland talks to Baillor Jalloh, founder of African Voices Platform.

Independent Media Association
Feb 14, 2023


Ten By Six: The Norwich Radical
Jason Cridland talks to Rowan Gavin, Co-Editor of The Norwich Radical.

Independent Media Association
Feb 13, 2023


Sustainability of local journalism
The Digital, Culture Media and Sport Committee has today published its report on the Sustainability of Local Journalism. The Independent Me

Independent Media Association
Jan 25, 2023


IMA General meeting, Winter 2023
Join the IMA for its quarterly general meeting on 30 January at 9pm. IMA members will receive an email invitation.

Independent Media Association
Jan 24, 2023


The Spying Game: IMA Statement on Labour Party activities in relation to independent media
Al Jazeera’s “The Labour Files: The Spying Game” alleges that Labour Councillors used private emails obtained without consent from the...

Independent Media Association
Oct 6, 2022
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