# Media Trust closes Community Newswire today due to cuts

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2011/03/31/media-trust-closes-community-newswire-today-due-cuts/
- Published: 2011-03-31T11:02:02+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**The Media Trust is today closing its Community Newswire service as a result of
the Government spending review. Established in 2004, the free service helps charities
and communities get their stories into the national and regional press by enabling
people to submit stories and press releases online which are then written up by 
Press Association journalists and sent to hundreds of newsrooms throughout the country.**

Caroline Diehl, Chief Executive of Media Trust, said: “The Government spending review
has resulted in a number of service cuts and unfortunately this includes our hugely
popular and invaluable Community Newswire. I strongly urge the Government to reconsider
this decision.

“We are actively seeking replacement funds and it is absolutely our intention to
reintroduce this much needed service as soon as we are able. In the meantime, charities
are able to access our other services including expert-led training, free communications
advice and online resources.”

## Advertisement

The Community Newswire has helped 4,000 charities and community groups get their
voice heard, carrying over 10,000 news stories every year. According to BBC Research,
66% of these are from hard to reach groups.

The service has been provided at no charge to charities and was funded by the Cabinet
Office.

Diehl pointed to the service’s track record. She said: “86% of Community Newswire
users have told us that their published stories raised awareness of their causes
and 72% said Community Newswire stories led to an increase in enquiries to their
organisation. Services such as Community Newswire are vital for charities in the
current economic climate.”

www.mediatrust.org/newswire

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