King Charles calls regional press “cornerstone of democracy” as Bedford Independent publisher attends Buckingham Palace reception

The Bedford Independent was amongst the publications represented at a reception at Buckingham Palace yesterday (Wednesday) in recognition of the importance of regional media.

The event, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, was an opportunity to acknowledge the unique and vital role local media plays in communities throughout the UK.

Erica Roffe, co-founder of Progress Publishing, which publishes the Bedford Independent and Bedford Clanger, was among 15 guests invited by the Independent Community News Network (ICNN), which represents over 120 independent publishers.

“After a quick photoshoot, the ICNN contingent was whisked through the iconic gates, through security clearance and up a red carpet into the Palace,” said Erica.

“Phones and cameras were secured in the cloakroom, and then staff directed us up a sweeping staircase towards the Ballroom.

“As we passed through an anteroom, the King and Queen were greeting a row of guests before heading into the main room, so we were able to get close to them. Both were genuinely interested in everyone they spoke to, and there was a very relaxed air about them.”

For the next hour, the royals and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester circulated throughout the Ballroom, pursued by official photographers.

“The Duke of Gloucester had a chat with me,” said Erica. “He was fascinated by the name The Bedford Clanger, so I told him about the magazine and its namesake, the Bedfordshire clanger, before we moved onto his love of the Black Cat roundabout. It was all quite surreal.”

Also in attendance was Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Jonathan Heawood, chair of the Public Interest News Foundation, told the Bedford Independent that he’d spoken to her about the issues facing local independent publishers.

“I took the opportunity to ensure that independent local news providers are supported through her local media strategy,” he said.

“Cornerstone of democracy”

In a message circulated to guests ahead of the event, King Charles said: “As I said in a speech to mark the tercentenary of Britain’s first daily national newspaper, back in 2002, the Press, alongside other long-standing institutions, is at the forefront of ‘defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation’.

“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 described a free media as “a cornerstone of our democracy” and went on to say: “I know how commercial pressures and changing technologies have had a significant impact on your industry.

“But as the media landscape has changed, so too many of you have adapted and innovated, finding ways of sharing your journalism and engaging audiences in new and creative ways.

“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.”

Royal approval

ICNN’s Emma Meese met and shook hands with the King. “It was an honour to meet King Charles. His words about the importance of local independent media struck a chord with the aims of ICNN,” she said.

“ICNN is in the top five largest news publishers in the UK, so it’s vital that our members are given a voice and a platform at events like this.

“I was thrilled that the Bedford Independent and Bedford Clanger could be represented at such an auspicious occasion. The work they and other ICNN members do is vital to communities and democracy in towns and cities across the UK.”