The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in the demand for news, with local outlets such as Island Echo stepping up to ensure timely, accurate and extensive coverage of the ever-changing situation.
Island Echo has today been thanked by the Isle of Wight Council, the NHS and the Clinical Commissioning Group for its efforts over the past few months, as part of the ‘thriving local media’.
Darren Toogood, Editor/Publisher, says:
”It’s not often we are recognised, on record, for the work we do day in, day out to keep the Island informed and on the move.
”It was lovely to receive a letter from the local authorities today recognising the service provided.
”It has been a tough few months with more news than ever before being published, which has actually led to a new member of the staff joining us this week. I am proud that we have stood by the Island community throughout and that we continue to serve Islanders, day and night, in these times of uncertainty”.
Letter sent on behalf of Isle of Wight Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) and health and social care services on the Isle of Wight
We are writing jointly, as leaders in the Island’s public services, to thank you and your teams for your dedication in reporting the coronavirus pandemic.
It has not been an easy few months and the public has been understandably anxious to know as much as possible, as quickly as possible, about the spread of the disease.
You have faced significant challenges in covering this unprecedented public health crisis and have no doubt been juggling your own personal concerns at the same time.
Over the course of the Island’s response to Covid-19 we have been able to have open and honest conversations with you about how things are going. Through this constructive dialogue we have been able to explain new developments and we have worked together well during announcements of national and international significance.
We recognise the value of these conversations and we are grateful for the professional way that your organisations have approached this vital public health reporting.
The role that local journalists play in keeping our community informed and engaged has never been more important and we would like to pass on our thanks for the way you have worked on behalf of Island residents. Our community is well served by a thriving local media.
On behalf of all of us and of our respective organisations, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks for your hard work.
We very much hope that we can continue to work together in such a positive and constructive way as the nation and our Island are tested by the longer term impacts of the pandemic.
Best wishes,
John Metcalfe (Chief Executive, Isle of Wight Council)
Maggie Oldham (Chief Executive, Isle of Wight NHS Trust)
Alison Smith (Managing Director, Isle of Wight NHS Clinical Commissioning Group)
Well deserved. Great news coverage. Censorship a little heavy, at times, but a lot of hard work to get us the news fast, factual and FREE.
Congrats
Ya right what part its all been fear based
If this is a pat on the back for all the good work you have done, then is this an admittance that this indeed is coming to an end?! I mean, you wont say I’ve done a good job,but you havent finished yet!. It might be the fact that around the the millions of people have finally woke up and seen what this virus has REALLY been about! There is a light at the end of this tunnel.
World