New Local Democracy Reporter Scheme contracts announced

It was a very competitive and robust process, highlighting the exceptional standards delivered by regional news outlets across all areas of the UK.

— Jason Gibbins, Editor, Local News Partnerships

Four new media organisations will manage Local Democracy Reporting Service contracts for the first time, following the completion of a retendering process for the BBC-funded scheme.

Baylis Media, Tindle Newspapers, Highland News & Media, and Northampton-based community radio station NLive are being awarded contracts to employ Local Democracy Reporters from July 1.

In total, 15 different media organisations from across the UK have been awarded or re-awarded at least one of 118 contracts following completion of the award process. The new contract period will initially run for a two-a-half-year period to the end of the current BBC Charter.

The Local Democracy Reporters are funded by the BBC as part of its Charter commitment, but are employed by hyperlocal, local and regional news organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Brighton & Hove News, Caerphilly Media and Newbury News were among publishers from the hyperlocal sector to successfully retain contracts, while London-based community interest company Social Spider increased the share of contracts it holds from two to three.

Local Democracy Reporters cover local council meetings, public service organisations and other democratic institutions.

Jason Gibbins, Editor, Local News Partnerships said: “The result of this process means that every part of the country will be covered by a Local Democracy Reporter. The addition of four new contract holders is to be celebrated, and we look forward to them joining existing contract holders in their continued efforts to scrutinise the work of councils and other local public bodies across the UK.”

Reach remains the largest partner in the scheme after being awarded 54 contracts to employ 83 reporters – four more than it currently employs.

Newsquest will oversee 26 contracts worth 36 roles, while National World will manage 17 contracts and 24 reporter posts.

Iliffe Media Group and DC Thomson will each manage four contracts from July onwards, with Iliffe increasing the share of Local Democracy Reporters it will employ from four to seven.

Radio Manx and Shetland News, retaining one contract each, completed the list of successful bidders.

This has been the first procurement process since 2021, and the contracts will run from July 1 to the end of 2027.

Jason Gibbins added: “We would like to thank all organisations who took the time to submit applications.

“It was a very competitive and robust process, highlighting the exceptional standards delivered by regional news outlets across all areas of the UK.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service supports journalism in the local news sector by funding the network of 165 journalists employed by commercial newsrooms.

Since the scheme’s inception at the start of 2018, it has produced more than more than 470,000 stories for publication by partner newsrooms.