Manchester Evening News

The Tony Walsh poem This Is The Place says of Manchester: “Some are born here, some are drawn here, but they all call it home.” The diversity of the city and its communities is something the Manchester Evening News strives to champion. 

Its reporting reflects the mixture of cultural identities across the region, celebrating them and raising awareness of issues that matter, as well as the challenges many of those communities face. The newsroom also reflects the communities the MEN serves, with journalists actively recruited from underrepresented groups to ensure its coverage truly reflects the patch in all its diversity.

Topics covered include extensive reporting on the Muslim community, with a series of explainers around Ramadan and Eid, as well as personal stories, such as speaking to a councillor about her wearing of the hijab. An investigation into the treatment of Manchester’s traveller community exposed harmful racist stereotypes, and the publication has been outspoken in its support of the LGBTQ+ community. It repeatedly wrote about fears within Greater Manchester’s Jewish community before October’s synagogue attack.

This work is central to the publication’s goal of creating a news brand inclusive of all Mancunians, one that reflects the diverse cultural heart of the city.

Judges’ comments: “Outstanding commitment to diversity through inclusive reporting and community engagement. By amplifying underrepresented voices and tackling sensitive issues, the team fosters understanding and unity.”