Islanders are being given the chance to meet the teams from both Island Echo and the Isle of Wight Observer and learn more about how news is produced on the Isle of Wight at a special event in Newport next month.
The informal afternoon session on Friday 13th June, running from 15:30-17:00 at the Riverside Centre, offers a unique opportunity to meet local journalists, ask questions and explore how stories come to life in the world of independent news on the Isle of Wight.
Readers will be able to connect with the editorial teams, raise concerns about local issues, and gain insight into how the news is gathered, verified and published each day. The session will include a Q&A segment, giving attendees the chance to go deeper into the process of independent journalism.
This free event – which will of course feature tea and cake – is part of Indie News Week 2025, organised by the Public Interest News Foundation, which champions the importance of independently owned local media at a time of significant change within the news industry.
Afterwards, Island Echo and IW Observer will be hosting a State of the Island debate to a sold-out audience of 200 people. Some last-minute tickets may be available on the door.
Darren Toogood, Editor/Publisher of Island Echo, says:
“Our readers always have so many questions for us, including ‘how do you get to the news so fast?’ – so this is your opportunity to ask away and learn more about how local news is discovered, investigated and delivered.
“As locally owned, independent publications, we are truly at the heart of the Isle of Wight community and we are committed to listening to our readers, and sharing in a transparent way how we deliver the news to thousands of Islanders each and every day”.
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Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve your free space, head over to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/iwobserverltd/1719677.
Limited parking is available on site at the Riverside Centre for both events, with additional council parking available at Newport Quay and Sea Street.
Meet the Team with Island Echo/IW Observer – Friday 13th June, between 15:30-17:00, at the Riverside Centre, Newport.
