With a General Election on the horizon, it is essential that the public can trust the news they read to make informed decisions when they head to the polls.
However, the increase in political parties producing campaign and electioneering materials disguised as independent local newspapers risks jeopardising trust in politics, journalism and democracy as a whole.
Our CEO Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana said as much in a letter to all political parties on this issue, asking that they review this practice in the lead up to the next election.
These ‘newspapers’ are not regulated by a press regulator, nor are they subject to oversight from the Advertising Standards Authority or the Electoral Commission, leaving the public vulnerable to being misled into thinking they are made by independent journalists instead of politicians.
So, in the interests of transparency and to help the public, we are sharing a list of the politicians and the materials that have been sent out in this style, so you can be clear on whether what you have received is an independent and accountable news publication or not.
Click the names below to see the campaign materials in full.
Have you seen campaign materials from a politician designed as a newspaper? Send them to us and we will add them to our list. Email louie@impressorg.com
Title:Â The Highlander
Location: Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross
Title:Â North Shropshire Post
Area:Â North Shropshire
Title:Â South Oxfordshire Observer
Area:Â South Oxfordshire
Title:Â Lincoln Chronicle
Area:Â Lincoln
Title:Â Rushcliffe Chronicle
Area: Rushcliffe
Title:Â High Peak Reporter
Area: High Peak (Peak District)
The Conservatives have since apologised for using the name of a previous Derbyshire paper that circulated for more than 100 years before closing in 1998.
Title:Â Mid Bedfordshire Community Chronicle
Area: Mid Bedfordshire
Title:Â Brighton Matters
Area: Brighton Pavillion
Title:Â Bedfordshire Courier
Area: Bedfordshire
About ImpressÂ
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.Â
Media enquiries
Louie Chandler: louie@impressorg.com / 02033076778
