EC1 Echo is pleased to have been awarded funding through the government’s £6 million Local News Fund
EC1 Echo is pleased to have been awarded funding through the government’s £6 million Local News Fund, a programme designed to help 50 local news providers become more financially sustainable, embrace digital innovation, and continue delivering trusted, high-quality journalism to the communities they serve.
Through the fund, EC1 Echo has recruited a part-time reporter, Leïla Davaud, who will spend six months establishing a structured community reporting network.
Leïla will deliver community journalism training workshops, empowering local residents to report on issues affecting their neighbourhoods safely, accurately and ethically. She will also build relationships with residents, community groups, local businesses, charities, schools and other organisations to strengthen the connection between EC1 Echo and its communities.
Her work will help broaden the range and diversity of voices represented in the Echo’s journalism, while creating a sustainable network of community-led news gathering.
The Local News Fund recognises the vital role independent local media plays in keeping residents informed, holding local institutions to account, and ensuring important community issues receive the attention they deserve.
EC1 Echo has not been printed since October 2023, but that doesn’t mean the work has stopped. Contributors, London Democracy Reporters and project manager Penny Dampier have been keeping the site afloat, and you could now be part of the adventure!
The grant provides an opportunity to solidify the Echo’s foundations and grow into a collaborative newsroom. A newspaper for the community by the community.
