Island Echo is joining independent news publishers across the UK in marking Indie News Week 2026 – a national celebration of the trusted local journalism that keeps communities informed, connected and engaged.
Running from today until Sunday (21st June), Indie News Week shines a spotlight on the role independent publishers play in towns, cities and communities across all 4 nations and is built around the message that ‘No News is Bad News’, highlighting the importance of ensuring communities continue to have access to reliable, accountable and independent reporting.
Organised by the Public Interest News Foundation, Indie News Week brings together local news organisations for events, discussions and community activities designed to strengthen the relationship between journalists and the communities they serve.
The Isle of Wight helped kick off this year’s programme early with last Friday’s State of the Island Debate, hosted by Island Echo and IW Observer. This brought together key figures from across the Island for discussion on the issues affecting residents and businesses.
Islanders are lucky to live in a news oasis, with quality local news available around the clock, free of charge. But according to PINF, more than 4million people across Britain now live in so-called ‘news deserts’ where there is little or no quality local journalism available.
Independent news organisations are often deeply rooted in the communities they cover. Their journalists live locally, understand local concerns and report on the stories that matter most to residents – from council decisions and court cases to emergencies, community achievements and events.
Island Echo is owned and operated locally, based in Ryde. Each and every staff member was born on the Isle of Wight and live across towns such as Ryde, East Cowes, Newport and Shanklin.
Join us in celebrating the value of local journalism and the vital role it plays in supporting democracy, promoting civic pride and holding those in positions of power to account.
For more information about Indie News Week and events taking place across the country, visit the Public Interest News Foundation website at https://www.publicinterestnews.org.uk/blog/no-news-is-bad-news-this-week-were-fighting-back/.
