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THIS week is Local Newspaper Week. It is a celebration of titles like the Accrington Observer.
The event is to show to everyone across the country the importance of having a locally-accountable, vibrant and dynamic local media.
Of course, your Observer is not just about the newspaper – we also have a growing online presence.
As well as keeping you informed of what’s going on locally, our other passion is fighting your corner. We stand up for what you tell us is important in your lives. We right the wrongs. We campaign. We investigate. We’re here to make a difference.
In this fast-changing globalised world, the Accrington Observer aims to be the constant in your busy lives, rooted in your communities.
We go back a long way together – to 1887 in fact. We have helped generations of local people by keeping them informed, entertained and in the forefront of the minds of those in power.
It may be a digital world now, but all that still holds true.
A rigorous framework of regulation ensures you can trust what you read in the Accrington Observer:
We operate under The Editors’ Code of Practice, enforced by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. It covers a wide range of standards, including accuracy, the protection of children, privacy, harassment and public interest
We are subject to laws, including libel and contempt of court
All our journalists are fully trained in all aspects of the profession – including the right of reply. The editors’ code and ethics underpin all they do
Before we publish a word – online or in print – articles go through a rigorous checking process
We live in the communities we serve and deal with the same people time and again. We would be nothing without their trust
We are fair, accurate and impartial – we have no axe to grind. We are here to inform, investigate and to entertain
Accrington Observer editor Gareth Tidman said: “We want to make a difference to the lives of people living in Hyndburn, by informing, entertaining and – most importantly of all – standing up for them.
“We have track record of campaigning journalism and we see it as our duty to keep to maintain that tradition.
“We ask questions that people in authority would rather we didn’t, and we keep on when others may give up. If we get something wrong we will hold our hands up.
“We believe the people of Hyndburn know we are on their side.”
Craig Nayman, chairman of Local Media Works, which is running Local Newspaper Week, said: “By holding authority to account on events that might otherwise remain hidden, local journalism helps shape the communities for the better and Local Newspaper Week is a celebration of that important democratic function.”