Local journalism fills crucial gap in council and NHS coverage

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 11:37 · Archive

A Local Democracy Reporter funded by the BBC says journalism fills information gaps about local councils and NHS organisations.

A Local Democracy Reporter funded by the BBC and based at the Derby Telegraph says journalism fills crucial information gaps about what local councils and NHS organisations are doing. The reporter, part of a 165-strong group of Local Democracy Reporters funded by licence fee payers, covers five Derbyshire councils—Derbyshire County Council, Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash and South Derbyshire—plus four NHS organisations and a share of the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Door-knocking residents about stories repeatedly reveals people had no knowledge of issues until journalists arrived at their doorstep. The reporter says journalism performs a public service by distilling complex and often dry information into a format widely understood by most residents. In eight-plus years, the role has produced many stories of distinct public interest that would not have been reported without investigative work in council rooms and on streets talking to residents.

How it is being reported

• 'Journalism matters now more than ever' - Derbyshire reporter sheds light on role and the stories that matter to youEach and every time I spend a day door knocking Derbyshire residents about a story, I am met with people who had no knowledge of an issue until I arrived on their doorstep.Ilkeston Advertiser · 4 Nov, 13:43
• 'Journalism matters now more than ever' - Derbyshire reporter sheds light on role and the stories that matter to youEach and every time I spend a day door knocking Derbyshire residents about a story, I am met with people who had no knowledge of an issue until I arrived on their doorstep.Buxton Advertiser · 4 Nov, 13:43
• 'Local journalism matters - that is proven time and time again on Derbyshire doorsteps'An information gap about what your local council or NHS organisation is doing is a serious risk without good, strong local journalismDerbyshire Live · 4 Nov, 09:34

In this story: BBC · Derby Telegraph · Derbyshire County Council · Amber Valley · Derbyshire Dales · Erewash · South Derbyshire · East Midlands Combined County Authority

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