Award recognition for Community Journalism team

The Centre for Community Journalism (C4CJ) team has won Cardiff University’s award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community’.

C4CJ is one of the Transforming Communities engagement projects, which demonstrate Cardiff University’s commitment to communities in Cardiff, Wales and beyond and is part of the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies.

The project was praised by its nominator, Lynnette Thomas, Head of Engagement at Cardiff University, for its work in setting up or improving 10 community news services across Wales, which include:

• Pobl Caerdydd: Welsh language community news service for Wales’ capital.
• Rhondda People: Shining a spotlight on the great things to see and do in the Rhondda.
• Llais y Maes: Run by Cardiff University students, providing an alternative view of the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
• Port Talbot Magnet: Created in response to the local newspaper closing down, the Port Talbot Magnet is a local news co-operative, delivered in print and online.
• Pobl Dinefwr: Sister publication of Pobl Caerdydd, established after the 2014 National Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire.
• Grangetown Community Action: Community newsletter established 1977, now looking to move into newsprint and develop a network of contributors.

The Centre for Community Journalism was also commended for delivering one of Cardiff University’s first ever Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which to date has attracted over 24,000 learners from 118 countries worldwide.

Centre Manager, Emma Meese, said: “We are delighted that Cardiff University has recognised our project with this award. Our passion lies in working at a grassroots level with groups across Wales, and beyond, to realise the value of community journalism. We look forward to continuing to work towards a brighter future for the community news sector with the support of Cardiff University.”

The project team also includes Communications and Project Officer, Hannah Scarbrough, and the outgoing Academic Lead, Sara Moseley. Sara has since left the project to take up the Director role at Mind Cymru. Professor Justin Lewis, who has supported the project on its Steering Group since launch, now takes up the role of Academic Lead. Cheryl Crook has also since joined the team as part-time Project Administrator.