A local online newspaper has become the first of its kind to gain charitable status after demonstrating that it delivered “public interest” news.
The Charity Commission awarded charitable status to the Guilford Dragon News on 9 February, more than six months after it had applied to register as a charity.
The Surrey-based charity has three trustees and will not need to file annual accounts and other information until 10 months after its first financial period ends, according to the Commission.
Martin Giles, editor of the Guildford Dragon News, said: “It’s really good news that we have been awarded charity status and I thank all those who have supported our application.
“It wasn’t a simple task. Now, the fundraising work will need to begin to make the Guildford Dragon News sustainable so we can continue to serve our borough with a local news service. Hopefully, others will be able to follow our example.”
Lengthy process
Tom Murdoch, a partner at Stone King who helped the Guildford Dragon News obtain charitable status, said that the application process took several months and involved a lot of correspondence with the Commission.
Murdoch, who advises the Charitable Journalism Project (CJP) campaign, said that charitable news provision is yet to be established in the UK, and that “this development should act as a signpost for other, similar public-interest news organisations”.
“The aim of public interest journalism is to provide us, as citizens and members of our local communities, with the reliable, accurate and unbiased information that we need.
“CJP has played a central role in promoting charitable journalism. It’s not for all – some provide news for profit and other purposes – but charitable status is now a practical possibility for suitable public interest news providers across the spectrum.”
The online newspaper’s registration follows the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) becoming the first news organisation promoting citizenship through journalism to join the charity register in 2020.
Public interest journalism is not listed as a charitable purpose in its own right but the Commission said when awarding PINF charitable status that “journalism may be capable of furthering charitable purposes like the advancement of education, citizenship or community development, the arts, culture, heritage or science or human rights”.
‘Many other local news outlets could become charities’
Commenting on Guildford Dragon News’ registration, Jonathan Heawood, executive director of PINF, said: “It’s great to have confirmation that local journalism can be charitable.
“At PINF, we believe that many other local news outlets could become charities, which would open up new revenue streams from foundations and individual donors. At a time when millions of people in the UK live in news deserts, without access to relevant and reliable information, the need for high-quality local news is greater than ever.
“Charitable journalism might not be the solution to all the challenges facing local news, but it is a crucial part of the mix, and we congratulate the Guildford Dragon, CJP and their legal team for making this possible.”
Meanwhile, Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana, chief executive of press regulator Impress, said: “I’m thrilled the Commission has recognised the public benefit of journalism to communities with this decision.
“For the public to regain trust journalism, accountability to high regulatory standards, is essential. We look forward to the Dragon continuing to produce high-quality ethical journalism as it embarks on this new journey as a charitable organisation.”
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