Review of UK and world papers and coverage of UK and global journalism stories and Journalism History for Thursday 19th 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.
X posts:-
BBC News Papers’ Review analysing front pages of UK national newspapers for Thursday 19th February 2026: “‘Trump pulls support for Chagos’ and ‘Britain faces ‘1936 moment.'” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2024385672501420472
To:
Sky News ‘The Wrap’ discussing Thursday’s newspaper front pages 19th February 2026: With former Labour cabinet minister Paul Boateng and former Conservative special adviser Salma Shah. Times: ‘Trump pulls his support for Chagos Islands deal.’ See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2024388102630904130
CIoJ LinkedIn news edited by Liz Justice:
An internal investigation has been opened after an image of a Melksham News reporter’s face was attached to a punchbag inside the town hall. https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
To:
Kosovo’s public broadcaster, Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK), is facing a massive cut as the Assembly is days away from debating the government’s reduced allocation of 8.9m Euros. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
Daily Mail reporter Stephen Wright said he had been accused of the “most despicable allegation put to any journalist” after working on the murder of Stephen Lawrence for more than 25 years to hear Doreen Lawrence accusing him of using her. 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.
See: https://www.cioj.org/young-journalists-awards-2026/
The Winners of the 2026 Young Journalist of the Year Awards will be announced 17th March 2026.
Finalists for 2026 Awards
YOUNG BUSINESS/FINANCIAL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Nikou Asgari, Financial Times
Lucy Frost, International Financial Review
Sofia Gerace, mlex.com
YOUNG NEWS REPORTER OF THE YEAR
Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder/Local London
Isabel Clark, Southwark News
Megan Owen, BBC London
YOUNG ENVIRONMENT JIOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder/London Local
Ellen Ormesher, DeSmog UK
YOUNG CAMPAIGNING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder – online and in print
Patricia Figueiredo, mlex.com
YOUNG FEATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR
Simon Ezra-Jackson, The Damned, print magazine, The New World. print/online
Annaliese Smith, moretohistory.com, Birmingham Dispatch, Discover Wildlife
Joseph Watt, Ultramarathon, print magazine/online, The Offset, print magazine/online.
YOUNG POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE YEAR
Jiji Ahn, BBC News
Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, ITV National News
Amy Gibbons, The Daily Telegraph
YOUNG ARTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Katie Chambers, The Stage
Sofia de la Cruz, Wallpaper
Evie Glen, Metal magazine
YOUNG TRAVEL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Alice Barnes-Brown, Travel Weekly
Kira Richards, National Geographic(UK)/Sunday Times
Annaliese Smith, Independent/Wired For Adventure
YOUNG HEALTH JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Amy Borrett, Financial Times
Ella Kipling, Mirror/Wales Online
Eliza Slawther, Pink Sheet
YOUNG SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Jamie Barton, CNN Digital Sports, London
Aryan Jolly, The Real EFL/The Football Deck/Wisden
Joseph Ryan, Kent Standard/Football Writers’ Association
YOUNG SHOW BIZ JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Evie Glen, The List, online magazine
Ella Kipling, The Mirror
The nominations are listed alphabetically and the winner in each category will be announced at the Young Journalist Awards presentations, on Tuesday 17th March at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Tower Hill, following the Society of Editors Annual Conference, beginning with a reception at 6.00pm.
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 Thursday 19th February 2026
Several of the papers focus on foreign policy and Britain’s global position.
The Times leads with: “Trump pulls his support for Chagos Islands deal”, reporting that the US president has withdrawn backing for Sir Keir Starmer’s agreement over the territory. The paper says Mr Trump claims the Prime Minister has “surrendered to wokeism”, and it also highlights that an “Eighth force joins Epstein files investigation.”
A similar theme appears on the front of The Daily Telegraph, which carries the headline: “Do not give away Chagos, Trump tells Starmer.” The Telegraph reports the US president warning that Diego Garcia would be crucial for potential strikes on Iran. The paper also features the line: “NHS hip operations cancelled for months.”
The Financial Times turns to European leadership, leading on: “Lagarde to depart ECB helm early so Macron and Merz can pick successor.” It says the move could come before the French presidential election, and also trails: “British AI scientist targets record $1bn for ‘superhuman intelligence’ start-up.”
Domestic politics and public finances are prominent elsewhere.
The Daily Mail declares: “BRITAIN FACES ‘1936 MOMENT’, DEFENCE CHIEFS WARN PM.” The paper says former military leaders are urging the government to increase defence spending, invoking comparisons with the pre-war period. It also reports: “Nine police forces probe Epstein claims as pressure mounts for full inquiry.”
The Daily Express leads with: “‘PROOF STARMER DOES NOT CARE’ ABOUT VICTIMS OF RAPE.” The headline follows claims by grooming gang survivor Ellie Reynolds that her request for a meeting with the Prime Minister has been ignored. Above that, the paper highlights Reform UK’s pledge to “defuse the benefits bomb bankrupting UK.”
The Independent focuses on the economy, leading: “Obsessive and dysfunctional: IFS lays into Reeves.” The paper says the Institute for Fiscal Studies has criticised what it calls a fixation on fiscal rules. It also features the Prince of Wales speaking candidly about mental health.
Technology, crime and online safety also make the front pages.
The Guardian reports: “Sites could be blocked over ‘revenge porn’ and deepfakes.” It says ministers will give platforms 48 hours to remove abusive and sexualised images or face being blocked. The paper also carries: “Trump: Starmer ‘making big mistake’ over Chagos.”
The i Paper leads with: “Epstein ‘trafficking’ police in plea for witnesses – as Met examines Andrew bodyguard claims.” It reports that police are urging people with information to come forward, while senior MPs increase pressure for further scrutiny.
The tabloids focus on exclusives and lifestyle angles.
The Daily Mirror carries the headline: “TONY MARTIN’S £2.5M GIFT TO PUB LANDLADY.” It reports that the so-called “killer farmer” left his fortune to a woman who befriended him after his release from prison. The paper also features the Prince of Wales with the line: “Wills live on air…” discussing men’s mental health.
The Star‘s front page headline is: ‘£220K Gift From His Dad- If you could turn Beck time?‘
And The Sun leads with a sporting splash: “SWIG WHEN YOU’RE WINNING.” It reports extended pub hours during the World Cup, calling it a “Victory for fans & landlords.” The paper also asks: “ANDREW: WHAT DID COPS KNOW?”
So, a morning dominated by the Chagos Islands dispute and US intervention, strong language over defence spending, continued scrutiny over the Epstein case, and fresh moves on regulating online abuse — alongside the tabloids’ focus on exclusives and World Cup cheer.
Review of front pages of UK’s regional England, and nation Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland newspapers
A number of regional newspapers lead on crime and justice, alongside political rows and major local campaigns.
In England, the Manchester Evening News reports on fraud at the town hall with the headline: “COUNCIL CONMAN IN £900K FRAUD”, describing a “Town Hall worker’s ‘luxury lifestyle’ included cars and holiday home”.
The Yorkshire Post leads on what it calls a landmark legal ruling under the headline: “Girl’s fight overturns ‘historic injustice’”, saying an 11-year-old is entitled to damages for negligence during birth.
The Birmingham Post has a picture of car driving past a huge pothole on its front page with the headline: ‘Gone to pot’ and two bullet points: ‘Birmingham City Council manages to resurface less than a mile of roads in a year as network crumbles; 1,785 years to resurface all routes at current rate of work.’
In Wales, the Western Mail gives prominence to a murder case with “Arsonist convicted of random killing”, detailing the conviction of a man for a fatal attack.
The South Wales Echo focuses on a rugby dispute with “COURT BID TO STOP CARDIFF TAKEOVER”, reporting that the WRU faces a legal fight over a proposed regional deal.
In Scotland, The Scotsman carries an environmental warning with “Dire warning on failure of net zero ‘just transition’”, saying the “social licence to fight climate change” is under threat.
The Daily Record leads on a sentencing story with the bold headline “VALIUM QUEEN CAGED”, reporting that a street drugs dealer has been jailed.
The National runs the headline: ‘Migrant workers to sue UK Government- Group representing more than 8000 seeks judicial review of Indefinite Leave to Remain changes.’
Meanwhile, The Herald focuses on Scottish politics with “Murrell case row sees Lord Advocate defiant”, quoting the top lawyer as denying corruption. The paper also reports that the SNP is edging towards a Holyrood majority in a new poll.
In Northern Ireland, The Irish News leads on a fatal shooting with “Shooting abandoned as man was holding tot”, reporting that a murder bid was called off at a doorstep while a child was present.
The Belfast Telegraph carries the headline “Paramilitary shootings becoming a relic of the past, says ex-gunman”, suggesting a decline in such attacks over the past year.
Finally, the Metro, which is distributed across major English cities, reports on a prison escape controversy with “From bad to verse!” under the strapline “Rapper taunts government after 2 escapes”, covering a video posted online by a jailed performer who had previously absconded.
Across the regions, today’s front pages reflect a mix of criminal justice cases, political accountability, environmental concerns and high-profile local disputes — each paper highlighting the issues most resonant with its readership.
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 Thursday 19th February 2026
French Newspapers for Thursday 19th February 2026
Montage of world newspapers Thursday 19th 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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