South Wales Echo
For our loyal readership we remain the first port of call for breaking news, political developments, key issues, entertainment, features, and local and national sports coverage. The Echo’s standing in the community and the quality of its coverage has been acknowledged in recent years with a clean sweep of wins since 2020 in the daily newspaper of the year category at Wales’ premier industry awards - the Wales Media Awards - with the Echo again having been shortlisted for this year’s forthcoming ceremony. Judges have praised the title for its “striking front pages” and “comprehensive reporting on major stories” and for being an “informative and entertaining package for its readers”.
Working with a wide range of colleagues - from our online reporters and photographers to our commercial team and printing and page planning staff - our dedicated print production team manages an exceptional job in the face of the well-worn challenges of today’s newspaper industry to ensure each day’s edition is absorbing, accurate, informative and, above all, a great read. The two editions and three individual examples chosen for this year’s Regional Press Awards entry demonstrate some of the important local news stories we showcase, whether providing comprehensive coverage of devastating events that have shaken our communities, big societal issues that affect our most vulnerable citizens or complex investigations which hold people to account. Our edition of December 12, 2022, (‘Life on the city streets’) shone a light on the stories of those having to endure another bitter winter on the pavements of the Welsh capital, while our edition of May 24, 2023 (‘Tragedy and riot’) carried comprehensive reports of a devastating series of events which began with the deaths of two boys in an e-bike crash and led to the worst rioting seen in South Wales for more than 30 years as questions were raised over the police’s involvement in the tragedy. The supporting articles similarly display the Echo’s ethos of showcasing important and challenging issues, including a legally complex investigation uncovering lies and pressure-selling on doorsteps as well as worker exploitation, and the heartbreaking experience of a woman sexually abused as a teenager who finally saw justice served decades later.
In tandem with our editorial reporting and photographic team, our fantastic design team consistently manages to produce a vibrant, top quality and attention-grabbing product every day. Nearly 140 years since it was first published, the Echo remains a trusted source of news, features and sport thanks to its consistent reporting rigour, high production values, accuracy, credibility and wide variety of content. Its coverage of - and analysis of - local issues that really matter continues to put it at the heart of South Wales life to this day.