Review of UK and world papers and coverage of UK and global journalism stories and Journalism History for Monday 23rd 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 Monday 23rd February 2026: “William ‘not calm, but carrying on’ after Andrew arrest and a Bafta for Buckley.” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2025836978340516258
To:
Sky News ‘The Wrap’ discussing front pages of UK national newspapers for Monday 23rd February 2026 with Theo Usherwood, news editor at the Press Association, and Carolyn Quinn, journalist and broadcaster. Sun: ‘Wills- I am not in a calm state.’ See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2025838431549468800
CIoJ LinkedIn news edited by Liz Justice:
A Dutch appeals court has ruled that a defamation case against a journalist at De Twentsche Courant Tubantia must proceed. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
To:
Anna Murdoch-Mann, philanthropist, journalist, and former wife of media baron Rupert Murdoch, has died, aged 81, in Florida. 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 17th March 2026.
Finalists for 2026 Awards. See: https://cioj.org/the-chartered-institute-of-journalists-2026-young-journalist-of-the-year-finalists/
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 JOURNALIST 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 Monday 23rd February 2026
Several of the front pages are dominated by developments surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and renewed scrutiny of historic allegations, alongside continued coverage of Prince Andrew and the Royal Family.
The Daily Telegraph leads with the headline:
“Epstein’s secret files hidden across US”,**
reporting claims that storage units were used to prevent authorities seizing sensitive material. The paper says the developments could have implications for ongoing investigations and political figures connected to the case.
The Times also focuses on the story, with:
“Evidence of Epstein’s UK flights destroyed”,**
describing it as a “blow to trafficking investigation at RAF bases”. The paper reports concerns that key flight records may no longer be available to investigators.
Similarly, The i Paper headlines:
“No10 fast-tracked security vetting for Mandelson despite known links to Epstein”,**
reporting that Downing Street approved expedited clearance despite previous associations. The paper says questions are being raised over the vetting process.
The Guardian carries:
“Calls for inquiry into Andrew’s Epstein ties”,**
while also leading on domestic policy with
“Ministers reveal £4bn package to support pupils with special needs”,**
describing what it calls a “generational change” in education funding.
The Daily Mail frames the royal dimension prominently with:
“William says he’s ‘not in calm state’ amid Andrew arrest drama”,**
reporting the Prince of Wales’ remarks at the Baftas and describing what it calls a “Crown in crisis”.
The Daily Mirror takes a similar angle under the banner
“Andrew scandal fallout”,**
with the headline:
“William: I need to calm down…”,**
presenting what it describes as an exclusive account of the prince’s response.
The Daily Star is more direct with:
“A RIGHT ROYAL COVER UP”,**
claiming palace files could reveal that “senior people were aware” of Andrew’s activities — allegations that have previously been denied.
The Sun reports with a colour picture of the Prince and Princess of Wales on their front page explaining: ‘Prince braves Baftas after Andy arrest’ combined with the banner headline: ‘Wills- I am not in a calm state.‘
Elsewhere, US security developments make several front pages.
The Independent leads with:
“Secret Service shoots intruder dead at Trump’s Florida home”,**
reporting that an armed individual was shot at the former president’s residence.
The Guardian also references the incident in a secondary headline:
“Intruder shot dead at Trump residence”,**
noting the event’s international significance.
In Westminster politics, The Daily Express takes aim at the Prime Minister.
Its headline reads:
“PM ‘AGREED SYSTEM THAT LET CHILD SEX SUSPECTS OFF WITH WARNING’”,**
reporting criticism of Sir Keir Starmer’s past role overseeing the use of so-called “paedophile Asbos” while Director of Public Prosecutions. The paper describes his position as having been branded “untenable”.
Meanwhile, The Times gives prominence to Sir Keir Starmer’s domestic agenda, with:
“Starmer: My brother’s struggle inspired special needs reform”,**
linking personal experience to planned changes in special educational needs provision.
And finally, the Financial Times leads internationally.
Its front page headline reads:
“Tehran in secret deal with Kremlin for €500mn of advanced missile kit”,**
reporting claims of a significant defence agreement. The paper also carries analysis on global markets, noting “extreme churn” in US equities amid bumper earnings and AI-related volatility.
So, across today’s front pages, a clear dominant theme: renewed focus on Epstein-linked investigations and their political and royal ramifications — alongside education reform, US security developments, and geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Russia.
That’s the newspaper review for this morning.
Review of front pages of UK’s regional England, and nation Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland newspapers
Good morning. Here is a further impartial review of ten of today’s front pages from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Many of the papers continue to focus on the fallout from developments surrounding the Duke of York and the wider royal family.
London’s Metro leads with “Access all areas”, under the banner “After Andrew arrest rocks monarchy…”. It reports claims that police could examine files belonging to the King as part of inquiries linked to Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting the story now reaches into the heart of the institution.
In Scotland, The Scotsman takes a different tack, leading on business concerns with “Scottish firms fear ‘bleeding to death’ from huge tax hike”. The paper says companies warn that changes to rates and valuations could leave some on the brink, while also carrying an image from the Bafta awards with the caption “I win”.
Wales’ Western Mail focuses on rugby governance, reporting “WRU set to face bombshell EGM”, with the subheading indicating an extraordinary general meeting after the Six Nations. The issue is echoed by the South Wales Echo, which declares “WRU chiefs set to face vote of no confidence”, pointing to mounting pressure on the union’s leadership.
In Glasgow, The Herald leads with an investigation headlined “£100m paid out on maternity negligence”, under the banner “Maternity services: Do they deliver?”. The paper reports on compensation payments and raises wider questions about standards of care. It also notes that the Scottish economy has taken an “£11bn hit as energy prices spike”, according to a separate study.
The Daily Record highlights a public health warning with “DYING TO LOSE SOME WEIGHT”, describing an “alert over fake ‘fat jabs’ that can kill”. The paper says scammers are selling dangerous weight-loss injections online, putting lives at risk.
In Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph leads on a fatal collision with the headline “‘We can only imagine the grief that’s engulfing these families’”, reporting that three people have died in a road crash. The Irish News carries a similar story with “Three dead and four injured in road crash”, alongside coverage of healthcare funding pressures.
Regional titles in England also feature prominently.
The Yorkshire Post reports a “‘Milestone’ overhaul for Send system”, outlining £4bn of reforms for special educational needs and disabilities. It also says “Households’ energy bills set to fall by 7pc”, and carries coverage of “UK-US talks over new Trump tariffs”.
The Manchester Evening News leads with a campaign headline: “‘One drink killed my daughter – it could happen to anyone’”, focusing on contaminated alcohol abroad and a mother’s warning to others.
Taken together, today’s front pages reflect a mix of national political scrutiny, regional governance pressures, public health concerns and continuing coverage of the royal family — alongside sport and cultural highlights from the Baftas.
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 Monday 23rd February 2026
French Newspapers for Monday 23rd February 2026
Montage of world newspapers Monday 23rd 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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