King Charles has spoken up to champion the vital importance of local journalism.

A gala celebration for 400 local journalists from across the country (No! The Chelsea Citizen was not invited. Hmpf) was held at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday (26th March), at which King Charles and Queen Camilla met an array of hacks – the unsung heroes who graft for minimum wage, or less, on small newspapers and online new websites.

The King’s understanding and appreciation for the world of local journalism was widely applauded by senior industry figures. His interjection comes at a time when local journalism is under extreme threat and in devastating decline.

King Charles released a statement ahead of the event which underlined his affection and respect for local journalism and showed how he “get’s its enduring importance upon society. The statement read:

“I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.

“As I said in a speech to mark the tercentenary of Britain’s first daily national newspaper, back in 2002, the press, alongside other long-standing institutions, is at the forefront of ‘defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation’.

“Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground-up, at local level,in your hands.

“Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing. Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow.

“You won’t always get it right. A free media is one that will and does make mistakes. But at its best, it is a cornerstone of our democracy.

“I know how commercial pressures and changing technologies have had a significant impact on your industry. But as the media landscape has changed, so too many of you have adapted and innovated, finding ways of sharing your journalism and engaging audiences in new and creative ways.

“It is in everyone’s interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.”

The Citizen’s Editor Rob McGibbon said, grandly: ‘I applaud King Charles for sharing his respect for local journalism so publicly and for showing such a keen understanding about its inherent value.

‘I particularly liked the King’s comment about the importance of local journalism in “uncertain times”, when there is so much focus “to that which divides us”. The core belief behind the launching of The Chelsea Citizen is an acceptance that local journalism can be the glue that binds a local community together. A local newspaper is vital for democracy and it can be the central hub that brings the people together.

‘My gratitude to the King for recognising the true value of local journalism.  Oh, and get your guest lists flunkey to invite me next year. Thank You!’