Review of UK and world papers and coverage of UK and global journalism stories and Journalism History for Sunday 15th February 2026.
Journalism is the first draft of history and these daily reports seek to provide an online briefing of the history of journalism for each day featured.
The Chartered Institute of Journalists remembers all the professional journalists and media workers murdered and killed while doing their work this year in all parts of the world and remember the immense sacrifice of those who gave their lives to the profession in the past. We send our condolences to their families, friends and professional colleagues.
The Chartered Institute of Journalists wishes to make it absolutely clear that all our reporting of stories about journalism and media saying ‘reports’ ‘writes for’ ‘briefing’ or attribution followed by colon, does not imply or mean our agreement or endorsing with the quoted headline or linked story. Our policy is impartiality & apolitical.
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BBC News Papers’ Review analysing front pages of UK national newspapers for Sunday 15th February 2026: “‘Navalny killed by frog toxin’ and ‘There must be probe into envoy Andrew.'” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2022967702269141324
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Sky News “Wrap” discussing Sunday’s newspaper front pages 15th February 2026. With PR and political consultant Kevin McKeever and contributing editor at The Times and Sunday Times Cindy Yu. People: “UK Reveals Navalny killed by frog toxin.” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2022970617360699730
CIoJ LinkedIn news edited by Liz Justice:
The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has declined to renew the accreditation for three Addis Ababa-based journalists from Reuters after they published an investigative report about a camp to train fighters in the Sudan. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
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Palestinian journalist Ali al-Samoudi was working with Al Jazeera’s Shireen Abu Akleh when she was shot dead by an Israeli sniper in 2022 in the West Bank city of Jenin. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
Latest CIoJ LinkedIn news feed stories edited by Liz Justice at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/63500/
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Chatered Institute of Journalists Young Journalist of the Year Awards 2026
Business and Financial Journalist of the year category sponsored by Cavendish
‘We’re delighted that Cavendish Tech and Innovation is sponsoring the Business/Financial Journalist of the Year category at The Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ) Young Journalist of the Year Awards 2026. This comes as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the media industry and championing new journalistic talent.
These awards celebrate the very best young journalists across the UK, recognising outstanding achievements by those aged 30 and under. Specifically, the Business/Financial Journalist of the Year award highlights impactful stories that cover the business/financial aspects of a particular company, sector, or issue – from funding and corporate governance to financial outcomes and strategic insight.
Would you like to sponsor other categories for CIoJ Young Journalist Awards for 2026. ‘Host a category and add your brand to the 2026 Young Journalist Awards.’ See: https://www.cioj.org/young-journalists-awards-2026/
The Winners of the 2026 Young Journalist of the Year Awards will be announced in March 2026.
Many congratulations to winners, specially commended and finalists in inaugural 2025 CIoJ Young Journalist of the Year Awards, on 25th March 2025. See: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/live-group_youngjournalistawards-journalismmatters-cioj-activity-7310632030642339840-68d4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAeLiVwB8a2_okGmo5JT2aJ02kIVH-ra9No
Gerald Bowey is the present President of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and Caroline Roddis, the Vice-President. Their roles were confirmed in a handover event at the Reform Club in Central London on Tuesday 20th February 2024.
Bowey emphasised the guidance, support, and encouragement that had been at the heart of the Institute for 140 years and announced the launch of a new Young Journalist of the Year awards scheme that would encourage journalists under 30 years of age to enter a range of categories.
Commenting Bowey said: “the Institute is focused on supporting working journalists, both in-house and freelance, in the workplace, as a trade union, and in sustaining journalists in difficult circumstances as a charitable trust.
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Two Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Journalists at the heart of British Journalism History
T.P.O’Connor founder of London campaigning evening newspaper The Star in 1888 and Arthur Burrows the first journalist and news presenter at the B.B.C. 1922.
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CIoJ member Clare Hollingworth OBE (1911-2017) – The first war correspondent to report the outbreak of World War II, described as “the scoop of the century”
Listen to Imperial War Museum archive interview with Clare recorded in 2001
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CIoJ X news feed at: https://x.com/CIoJournalist
CIoJ LinkedIn news feed edited by Liz Justice at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/63500/
CIoJ Facebook news feed at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077475452242
Official CIoJ LinkedIn site for Institute news and projects at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-chartered-institute-of-journalists/posts/?feedView=all
Chartered Institute of Journalists website at: https://www.cioj.org/
Review of UK national newspapers for Sunday 15h February 2026
We begin with a story that dominates several front pages this morning — the death of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
The Sunday Telegraph leads with: “Russia murdered Navalny with frog poison.” It reports that the jailed dissident’s death, it says, proves Russia has stockpiles of illegal chemical weapons.
The Sunday Times carries a similar line under the headline: “Kremlin killed Navalny with frog poison, says West.” The paper reports that Western leaders are blaming Moscow and citing evidence linked to toxins derived from dart frogs.
The Mail on Sunday also leads on the story with: “Putin murdered dissident Navalny with frog poison.” It describes what it calls “full astonishing story and analysis.”
The Sunday People headline reads: “UK REVEALS NAVALNY KILLED BY FROG TOXIN.” It reports that a probe has pointed the finger at the Kremlin.
And The Independent on Sunday says: “Putin arch-rival Navalny poisoned by the Kremlin.” It reports comments from Navalny’s widow at the Munich Security Conference calling for President Putin to be held accountable.
Turning to domestic politics and Westminster.
The Sunday Times also carries a separate front-page investigation headlined: “Labour activists paid for smear campaign against journalists.” It reports claims that lobbyists were hired to suggest reporters were linked to Russia.
The Sunday Telegraph features a political row with: “Starmer surrenders to Brussels over net zero rules.” It reports claims that Labour would align more closely with European regulations.
The Mail on Sunday splashes with: “NOW THERE MUST BE PROBE INTO ENVOY ANDREW.” It reports fresh allegations and calls for further investigation into the Duke of York’s role as a trade envoy.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Express leads on pensions with: “RISE IN PENSION AGE ‘WILL SEND 115,000 ELDERLY INTO POVERTY’.” It cites charities urging urgent action as the state pension age increases.
Royal and celebrity coverage is also prominent.
The Sunday Mirror carries a “ROYAL EXCLUSIVE” under the headline: “WILLS’ AGONY.” It reports the Prince of Wales’s reaction to the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis, saying he described it as “brutal and completely disorienting.”
The Sun on Sunday leads with: “EPSTEIN LURED TELLY DONNA.” It reports allegations about contact between Jeffrey Epstein and a television actress after his prison release.
The Daily Star Sunday splashes with: “Clarkson’s Harm.” It reports that a grandmother is suing Jeremy Clarkson after an alleged fall at his pub.
Finally, The Observer takes a different approach, leading with: “Dr Ice and the skeleton crew.” It promises an in-depth look at the secrets behind Britain’s Olympic skeleton gold.
Across the Sunday front pages, the dominant theme is the international fallout from Alexei Navalny’s death, with multiple titles alleging Kremlin responsibility. Alongside that are domestic political disputes, calls for investigations, pension concerns, royal reporting, and the usual mix of exclusives and features.
That is how the Sunday papers are leading this morning.
Review of front pages of UK’s regional England, and nation Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland newspapers
We begin in Wales.
Wales on Sunday leads with a tragic story under the headline: “TEENAGER WHO WAS ‘LOVED BY ALL’ DIES IN CRASH.” The paper reports that the family of the 17-year-old have paid tribute to what they describe as a “funny, kind and caring” girl.
In Scotland, infrastructure and policing are prominent.
Scotland on Sunday leads with: “Passenger boom sparks £150m a year airport plan.” It reports that expansion at Edinburgh Airport could allow more aircraft, additional gates and departure lounge improvements.
The Herald on Sunday carries an exclusive under the headline: “‘Expect to be shot’ Scottish police leader issues stark warning to perpetrators of knife crime.” It reports comments from Scotland’s police leadership about the risks facing armed officers responding to serious incidents.
The Sunday Post front page focuses on violence against women with the headline: “MOST DANGEROUS PLACE IN SCOTLAND TO BE A WOMAN: HER OWN HOME.” It highlights the faces of women killed over recent years and calls for action to address misogynistic violence.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Mail in Scotland leads with: “Moment I knew Keir had to quit.” It reports claims from Anas Sarwar about what he describes as a pivotal moment in Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Turning to England.
The Manchester Evening News on Sunday leads with a housing investigation: “£900 a month to sleep next to your cooker.” It reports on what it describes as Manchester’s “broken” rental market.
In Ireland, media and public services dominate.
The Irish Independent carries the headline: “Tubridy and RTÉ in fresh clash over scandal files.” It reports that the former presenter is seeking access to documents related to controversies at the broadcaster.
The Sunday Independent leads with: “Travel chaos looms over air traffic control staffing crisis.” It warns that airports could face disruption amid staffing pressures.
The Sunday World headline reads: “‘Sickened to my core’.” It reports on a victim speaking out after images allegedly showed an abuser pictured with other convicted offenders.
And the Irish Sunday Mirror splashes with: “SWIMMING COACH CAM PERV SET TO GO FREE.” It reports that a former trainer jailed for secretly filming young girls is due for release from prison.
Across these regional and national titles, today’s themes include tragic loss, concerns over violence against women, policing and knife crime, housing affordability, airport expansion and staffing pressures, as well as ongoing disputes in politics and broadcasting.
That is how the papers across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland are leading this Sunday.
CIoJ LinkedIn news stories, Hold The Front Page news stories, Guardian media news stories, Press Gazette news stories, Arab News media stories and other stories from miscellaneous sources
The Institute calls on Belarus to release the journalists and media workers it has detained. Belarus is currently ranked 167th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index. See: https://rsf.org/en/country/belarus RSF states: ‘To silence independent journalists, the authorities have resorted to state-sponsored terrorism, including censorship, violence, mass arrests, and coordinated raids on homes and media offices, as well as disbanding the Association of Belarusian Journalists (BAJ).’
The CIoJ calls on all governments and states unjustly detaining journalists for doing their professional work to respect freedom of expression, the right to liberty and free them immediately. See: https://rsf.org/en/new-record-number-journalists-jailed-worldwide
North American Newspapers for Sunday 15th February 2026
French Newspapers for Sunday 15th February 2026
Montage of world newspapers Sunday 15th February 2026
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This posting has been produced with the assistance of AI editorial and production services from ChatGPT Plus and Gemini.
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