With the release of The Hack on ITV, thousands more will be introduced or reminded of what can happen when the press are driven by aspirations of influence and wealth over the public interest. With many of the proposed reforms to fix the press scrapped after the phone-hacking scandal, it will also emphasise how much work still needs to be done.

Impress was founded in the aftermath of the scandal, as the UK’s only independent press regulator; we were built to ensure journalists and publishers carry out their duties ethically and in the public interest.

In a healthy democracy, the media should inform, challenge power, and reflect the full diversity of society.

Sadly, ours doesn’t.

For some outlets, like those seen in The Hack, this is a deliberate decision cynically choosing to blur, distort and even manipulate to advance their political or financial positions.

However, there are many more who want to publish with integrity but are left with little choice but to rush production of news or abandon public interest investigative journalism because that is what will keep them operational.

But this can change. And you can help.

Impress’s charitable partner, the Independent Media Trust, has launched the Better Media Fund. This fund supports independent, regulated publishers who hold power to account, tell untold stories, and serve the public interest. It also invests in media infrastructure and media literacy.

You deserve trustworthy journalism, independent from political influence and with public interest at the heart of its operations. But every day, access to it is being stripped away.

Your support will drive change across three critical areas:

1. Sustaining independent publishers when profit-driven media abandons communities
2. Equipping citizens to identify misinformation before it spreads
3. Building the digital infrastructure that makes sustainable journalism possible.

Most importantly, donors will help decide where the money goes.

Let’s build a media system that works for everyone.

About Impress 

Impress is a champion for news that can be trusted. We are here to make sure news providers can publish with integrity; and the public can engage in an ever-changing media landscape with confidence. We set the highest regulatory standards for news, offer education to help people make informed choices and provide resolution when disputes arise. 

Media enquiries

Louie Chandler: louie@impressorg.com / 02033076778