In a statement released before a reception for local journalists from all over the UK, the King said that the “regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.”
Around 400 guests, including representatives of the London Press Club, attended the event hosted by the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace to show their support for local journalism.
The Queen is patron of The Journalists’ Charity as well as the Guild of St Bride’s based at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street.
“A free media is one that will, and does, make mistakes,” the King said. “But at its best, it is a cornerstone of our democracy.
“It is in everyone’s interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.”
King Charles, who is an honorary life member of the London Press Club, recalled a speech he gave in 2002 to mark 300 years since the first issue of Britain’s first daily national newspaper, the Daily Courant.
“Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever — and it starts from the ground up, at local level, in your hands”, he said.
“Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing. Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow.”
