Review of UK and world papers and coverage of UK and global journalism stories and Journalism History for Thursday 12th March 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 12th March 2026: “‘Starmer did ignore Epstein warnings’ and ‘Record oil release.'” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2031998898340782542
To:
Sky News The Wrap with Anna Botting: “Mandelson files show Starmer was warned of ‘reputational risk.” With political commentator Adam Boulton and former Conservative cabinet minister Justine Greening. Times: ‘PM flouted Mandelson warnings.’ See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2031898173728247888
CIoJ LinkedIn news edited by Liz Justice
Two journalists disappeared in Syria on 18th January and have made no contact with their families or news outlets since. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
To:
The Pentagon has blocked press photographers from two briefings on Iran after several outlets published photos of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that his staff found “unflattering.” 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.
Young News Reporter of the Year category sponsored by Romail Gulzar FRSA and the Pukaar Media Group in Leicester.
The Pukaar Group is the parent of award-winning brands including Pukaar News, Pukaar Magazine, Leicester Curry Awards and the Ethnic Media Awards.
Publishers of Pukaar Magazine and Pukaar News • Leicester based news agency and Leicester’s Pukaar Magazine- Celebrating The Diversity of Leicester.
Romail Gulzar said: “I am deeply honoured to once again serve as a judge for the Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ) Young Journalist Awards 2026.
It’s inspiring to witness and support the next generation of talented journalists who are shaping the future of our profession. Together, we celebrate their dedication, creativity, and commitment to truth.”
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– Sponsored by Cavendish Tech and Innovation.
Nikou Asgari, Financial Times
Lucy Frost, International Financial Review
Sofia Gerace, mlex.com
YOUNG NEWS REPORTER OF THE YEAR– Sponsored by Pukaar Group Leicester.
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 Thursday 12th March 2026
UK Newspaper Review – Thursday 12 March 2026
Many of today’s front pages are dominated by the political fallout surrounding the appointment of former Labour minister Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, after newly released documents raised concerns about warnings given to the Prime Minister regarding Mandelson’s past links to Jeffrey Epstein.
The i newspaper leads with the headline:
“Mandelson was shown secret files before ‘weirdly rushed’ vetting.”
It reports that the Labour peer allegedly had access to highly classified material before completing the usual vetting procedures, and says the appointment process has raised questions in Westminster about whether proper security protocols were followed.
A similar theme runs across several other papers.
The Guardian front page reads: “PM was told of ‘reputational risk’ over Mandelson links to Epstein.”
The paper says documents suggest Sir Keir Starmer was warned of potential risks before confirming the diplomatic appointment, but proceeded nonetheless.
The Times echoes the controversy with: “PM flouted Mandelson warnings.”
According to the paper, aides and officials expressed concerns about Mandelson’s background, with the suggestion that those warnings were not heeded.
The Daily Telegraph frames the issue slightly differently, leading with: “Starmer ignored top aides over Mandelson.”
The Telegraph says official documents indicate the Prime Minister knew about what it calls a “reputational risk” linked to Epstein before approving the appointment.
The Financial Times also focuses on the political implications, reporting: “Aide warned Starmer of risk in Mandelson’s appointment.”
The FT says the warning was recorded in a vetting file and forms part of the wider debate about how the ambassadorial nomination was handled.
Among the tabloids, the language becomes more direct.
The Daily Mail headline reads: “NOT FIT TO LEAD THE COUNTRY.”
The paper says Conservative politicians are calling for Sir Keir Starmer to face serious questions about his judgement.
The Daily Mirror also focuses on the financial element of the story with the headline: “MANDELSON DEMANDED £500K PAY-OFF.”
The paper reports claims that the former minister sought a large compensation settlement after leaving his post.
The Daily Express leads with: “PM WAS WARNED ON ‘REPUTATION RISK’ OF HIRING MANDELSON.”
It argues the documents show concerns were raised about Mandelson’s connections before he was appointed.
The Sun front page carries the headline: “FOR PETE’S SAKE, PM.”
It claims the Prime Minister ignored warnings about Mandelson and highlights the political row now developing in Westminster.
Meanwhile, The Independent also highlights the controversy but pairs it with international developments, reporting: “Mandelson papers: Starmer did ignore Epstein warnings.”
Above the fold, the paper also reports on an investigation into a missile strike in Iran that reportedly killed civilians, which officials say may have been the result of a US mistake.
The Star‘s front page headline is two words: ‘Golden Mandshake’ with the quotation : “Give me £547K for sacking.”
International tensions appear elsewhere too.
The Financial Times and The Guardian both feature images of a burning cargo vessel following attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, with the FT reporting on a “Record IEA oil release as strait tensions hit markets,” and several papers warning that escalating Middle East tensions could affect global energy prices.
Away from politics, there is lighter coverage across several titles of the Cheltenham Festival, which is underway this week. Racing images and betting promotions appear prominently on the front pages of the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and The Sun, reflecting the event’s popularity with readers.
So the dominant story across much of today’s national press is the political storm surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment and what ministers knew about potential risks beforehand, with international tensions in the Middle East and coverage of Cheltenham also competing for attention.
Review of front pages of UK’s regional England, and nation Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland newspapers
UK Regional & Nations Newspaper Review
Thursday 12 March 2026
Many of today’s regional front pages continue to reflect the political story dominating the national press — the fallout over Peter Mandelson — while others focus on local issues ranging from policing controversies to infrastructure concerns.
Starting with the Metro, which leads with the headline:
“£500k to walk away.”
The paper reports that newly released files suggest Peter Mandelson initially sought a payout of around half a million pounds after losing his ambassadorial role, before a lower settlement was reached. It says the documents also indicate warnings were raised that appointing the Labour peer could pose a reputational risk.
The same issue features prominently in Scotland.
The Scotsman leads with “Give us back your pay-off, Scots MPs tell Mandelson.”
The paper says pressure is growing for the former minister to return a £75,000 payment he received after his dismissal as US ambassador.
Similarly, The Yorkshire Post reports:
“Starmer ‘was warned’ over peer’s contacts with Epstein.”
The paper says government documents suggest the Prime Minister had been alerted to potential risks before confirming Mandelson’s appointment.
The issue also appears on the front page of The Herald in Glasgow, which writes that “Starmer was warned of reputational risk from David Humes.”
However its main headline focuses on cultural infrastructure with “10-point plan to ‘save Scotland’s libraries’.”
Campaigners say urgent action is needed to protect library services amid concerns over funding and closures.
In Scotland’s Daily Record, the focus shifts to football-related violence.
Its headline reads “Silence on the bams.”
The paper reports criticism from Scotland’s Chief Constable following disorder linked to the Old Firm rivalry, with calls for clubs to do more to condemn violence.
In Wales, the Western Mail leads with a political story under the headline:
“Rap for Tory MS over ‘misuse of resources’.”
The paper says a Conservative member of the Senedd has been reprimanded following an investigation into how political resources were used.
Another Welsh title, the South Wales Echo, reports concerns about public buildings with the headline:
“Beyond repair.”
It says Cardiff Council has been advised that a civic building may need to be vacated urgently due to serious structural issues that could cost up to £180 million to fix.
Turning to Northern Ireland, The Irish News leads with a policing investigation, reporting:
“134 PSNI officers are linked to misconduct.”
The paper says a review has identified more than a hundred cases involving alleged misconduct, raising serious concerns about standards within the police service.
The Belfast Telegraph focuses on a major legal case with the headline:
“Gerry Adams was ‘one of Ireland’s most prolific serial killers’, trial hears.”
The report refers to claims made in court regarding alleged involvement in violent acts during the Troubles.
In England, the Manchester Evening News highlights a criminal case with the headline:
“Woman jailed for false rape claims.”
The paper says a 31-year-old has been sentenced after making accusations against several men that prosecutors said were fabricated.
The Jewish Chronicle, published weekly, presents front page headline: ‘Revealed: UK-Israel relations “non-existent” since war start.’ The standfirst explains ‘Diplomatic failure makes Britain “irrelevant” and undermines national interests, claim Labour and Tory critics.”
The ‘far left’ UK newspapers. Scotland’s The National runs the frontpage headline: “‘General Reputational Risk'” prefaced by the words: ‘According to the UK Government, a relationship with the world’s most notorious paedophile is simple a…’
This is followed by the standfirst single bullet point ‘Documents prove Keir Starmer knew about Mandelson and Epstain. He must now go…but we need ride of this whole rotten system, and fast.’ The paper also juxtaposes images of Starmer and Epstein left and right of its front page.
The Morning Star carries the exhortation “Clear Labour of Mandelson rot at the top- MPs call for major clean-up following latest revelations.”
Across the regional press, therefore, while the Mandelson political controversy appears in several titles, many front pages prioritise local stories — from policing and justice issues in Northern Ireland and Manchester, to civic infrastructure concerns in Wales and cultural funding debates in Scotland.
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 12th March 2026
French Newspapers for Thursday 12th March 2026
Montage of world newspapers Thursday 12th March 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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