Third annual public campaign will continue raising the profile of independent news, connecting local journalists with their communities and raising funds for indie outlets.
At a time when independent journalism has never mattered more, PINF is delighted to announce the third annual Indie News Week (INW), taking place across the UK from Monday 15th to 21st June 2026.
Under the banner “No News is Bad News,” the nationwide campaign will once again celebrate the vital role independent news outlets play in strengthening democracy, connecting communities and holding power to account.
What is Indie News Week?
Indie News Week is a celebration of independent news, with community events run online and in-person by independent news outlets across the UK. Throughout the week, participating outlets will host a mix of events from guided walks and quiz nights to podcasts, panel discussions and community debates.
The campaign gives local journalists an opportunity to meet their communities, showing them who’s behind their local indie outlet and what goes into accurately covering their stories. Communities will be able to share the stories that matter to them with the journalists that belong to and are deeply invested in their local area.
A pivotal year for indie news
2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the future of independent news. From debates around public notices in Parliament and the BBC charter renewal process, to growing concerns around AI, media ownership and the power of big tech, the landscape is changing quickly.
At the same time, independent outlets are gaining recognition for the impact they’re making. Local publishers such as the Meon Valley Times, Island Echo, and Bedford Independent were recently mentioned in a Westminster Hall debate on the future of news, while outlets like The Bristol Cable, Leicester Gazette and the Bylines Network have been highlighted in national media for their contribution to public-interest journalism.
Building on past success
In 2025, 30 independent outlets took part in Indie News Week, showcasing the creativity, connection and social value that indie news brings to the local communities they are embedded in.
Indie outlets engaged at least 500 people across the country, with our audience survey showing that 88% of participants got to know their local news provider better, 81% reported increased trust in their provider to represent their community, 76% got a better understanding of how news is produced and 62% would consider becoming a paid subscriber as a result of participating.
We also saw how far there is to go - with 23% of participants reporting that they didn’t know it was an option to pay a subscription or donation to their news provider.
Why it matters
More than 4 million people in the UK live in “news deserts” — areas with little or no access to reliable local reporting. Without trusted information, communities struggle to engage meaningfully in local life, challenge decisions, or share their stories.
Independent news outlets are stepping up to fill the gaps left by shrinking traditional media, despite declining advertising revenue and the growing dominance of big tech platforms. They strengthen democracy, create pride in place, and foster civic participation — often with limited resources.
Supporting sustainable journalism
Indie News Week also provides an opportunity for publishers to raise funds for their outlets through donation and membership drives. PINF will support participating outlets with training for their fundraising efforts, as well as coordinated materials to roll out the campaign.
PINF will once again partner with Harrison Agency to refresh the campaign’s visual identity and messaging for 2026.
Together, we can ensure that independent news doesn’t just survive — it thrives.
Jonathan Heawood, Executive Director of PINF, said: “Independent journalism is a powerful tool for communities to make sense of local stories and hold power to account, but too many outlets are still fighting to survive. Indie News Week is our chance to celebrate the care, skill and creativity that goes into news production, and bring communities and journalists closer together.”
For further information, contact: beckie@publicinterestnews.org.uk.
Written by
