Review of UK and world papers and coverage of UK and global journalism stories and Journalism History for Friday 13th 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 Friday 13th March 2026: “‘Hidden hand of Putin’ and ‘This lying PM.'” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2032354718224179558
To:
Sky News ‘The Wrap’ discussing front pages of UK national newspapers for Friday 13th March 2026. With economist Paul Johnson and Kate Ferguson, political editor at The Sun on Sunday. Telegraph: ‘Russia behind attack on UK troops.’ See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2032356624786997670
CIoJ LinkedIn news edited by Liz Justice
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the anticipated acquisition by Getty Images Holdings, Inc. of Shutterstock, Inc – two major visual media companies and suppliers of stock editorial images. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
To:
Novara Media reports the High Court has ruled in favour of journalist Owen Jones on key issues in a libel case brought by Raffi Berg, BBC News Online’s Middle East Editor, over an article alleging that he fostered a culture of bias towards Israel. 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 Friday 13th March 2026
UK Newspaper Front Page Review
Friday 13 March 2026
Many of Friday’s front pages are dominated by rising tensions in the Middle East, following drone attacks on bases hosting British troops and fears of disruption to global oil supplies. Alongside that international story, several papers continue to focus on the political fallout surrounding Sir Keir Starmer’s appointment of Peter Mandelson.
Middle East tensions and drone attacks
A number of newspapers lead with developments in the Gulf and the possible involvement of Russia.
The Times reports the headline:
“Iranian drones ‘directed by hidden hand of Putin’.”
The paper says British officials believe Moscow may be supporting Iranian drone strikes following attacks on a base used by British forces.
The same theme appears on The Guardian, which writes:
“Hidden hand of Putin aids Iran’s tactics, says Healey.”
It reports the Defence Secretary suggesting Tehran’s drone operations are using methods seen previously on the Ukrainian battlefield.
The Daily Telegraph also points to Moscow’s involvement, leading with:
“Russia behind attack on UK troops.”
The paper says a swarm of Iranian drones struck a base in Iraq hosting British soldiers.
A similar focus appears on The Independent, whose headline reads:
“Iran targets our troops as UK sets sights on vital Strait of Hormuz.”
It reports that British forces have already come under drone attack while ministers consider protecting shipping routes.
The Daily Mirror frames the story starkly with:
“UNDER FIRE.”
It says British troops were hit by Iranian drones and warns that the escalating crisis could draw the UK deeper into the conflict.
The Financial Times focuses on the economic consequences of the crisis, leading with:
“Oil windfall gives Russia $150mn a day.”
It reports that rising oil prices linked to the conflict are boosting Moscow’s revenues.
Meanwhile The Sun takes a dramatic approach with the headline:
“BRIT BASE BLITZED BY IRAN.”
The paper says a drone strike targeted a base used by special forces in Iraq.
And The i highlights potential military preparations, reporting:
“The oil war: UK military preparing to defend tankers in Middle East.”
It says Royal Marines may be deployed to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Political pressure over Mandelson appointment
Several papers continue to report on domestic political tensions over Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador.
The Times says the prime minister faces criticism under the headline:
“Starmer accused of misleading MPs after hiring Mandelson.”
The Daily Mail leads with the headline:
“KEMI: PM’S ‘TOLD LIE AFTER LIE AFTER LIE’.”
It reports that Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused the prime minister of misleading Parliament.
A similar line appears in The Daily Express, which declares:
“KEMI: IT STINKS OF COVER-UP BY THIS LYING PM.”
The paper says opposition figures are demanding an inquiry into documents linked to the Mandelson appointment.
Meanwhile The Daily Telegraph carries Sir Keir Starmer’s response, reporting:
“I take responsibility for Mandelson’s appointment, says Starmer.”
Other stories
Away from politics and international affairs, several papers highlight the Cheltenham Festival, with racing promotions and coverage appearing prominently across a number of front pages.
The Daily Star reports on its front page “Jack’s Baby Tribute- Ozzy Osborn.“
Summary
Across the national press this morning, two themes dominate:
- escalating tensions between Iran, Western forces and Russia’s possible involvement,
- and continued political scrutiny of Sir Keir Starmer over the Mandelson appointment.
Together they shape a front-page agenda balancing international security concerns with domestic political pressure.
Review of front pages of UK’s regional England, and nation Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland newspapers
Regional & Nations Newspaper Review
Friday 13 March 2026
Several regional front pages focus on cost-of-living pressures, public services, and local accountability, while others mark a significant anniversary in Scotland and highlight community stories.
Dunblane anniversary remembered
In Scotland, a number of newspapers mark the 30th anniversary of the Dunblane school massacre.
The Scotsman leads with the headline:
“Dunblane families 30 years on: We must never forget.”
The paper reflects on the community’s resilience and the continuing legacy of the tragedy which led to sweeping gun law reforms in the UK.
The Daily Record carries a powerful tribute with the headline:
“A wound that’s there forever.”
It reports families of the victims saying the pain of the attack still endures three decades on.
Public spending and local accountability
Elsewhere, several papers highlight concerns about public services and spending.
The Yorkshire Post reports political anger over utility firms under the headline:
“MPs’ anger with water firm chiefs.”
It says a cross-party group has criticised bonuses paid to executives while customers face rising bills.
In Wales, the Western Mail leads with:
“Welsh Water to pay £44.7m for failures.”
The paper says the utility has been ordered to pay millions following regulatory findings over environmental breaches.
The South Wales Echo focuses on a criminal case with the headline:
“MURDERER BURIED WIFE IN GARDEN.”
It reports a court case in which a husband was convicted of killing his estranged wife and attempting to cover up the crime.
Cost of living and politics in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland papers highlight economic pressures and political tensions.
The Irish News leads with:
“Heating oil breaks the £1k barrier.”
It reports rising home-heating costs as global energy prices climb.
Meanwhile the Belfast Telegraph focuses on politics at Stormont with the headline:
“As PM tries to reassure NI public struggling with the cost of living, our MLAs pocket a £14k pay rise.”
The paper reports criticism of the increase amid ongoing financial pressures on households.
Local stories across England
In England, some regional papers highlight unusual local cases.
The Manchester Evening News leads with:
“I was fined £150 for feeding a pigeon.”
The story centres on a fine issued in Piccadilly Gardens which has sparked debate about city centre rules.
The Metro newspaper carries a consumer-safety investigation under the headline:
“Fakes and ladders…”
It reports concerns about potentially dangerous counterfeit ladders being sold online.
Local development and urban policy
In Scotland, The Herald leads with a redevelopment story:
“City ‘may move to acquire blaze site’.”
It reports that Glasgow City Council could purchase land following a major fire as part of plans for redevelopment.
The International Political Angles
The UK’s ‘far left’ newspapers. Scotland’s The National insists: “Stop using our airports to bomb Iran.” The standfirst bullet points are: ‘Poll find majority of public oppose United States using our military bases to wage war alongside Israel. FM demands meeting with UK on use of Scottish airport.’ This text is over a picture of a woman in rubble, presumably in Iran, holding her face and head in her hand in despair.
The Morning Star‘s front page headline is: ‘PA [Palestine Action] Ban Makes A Joke of “Terror”.’ It adds ‘Offences rise by 1,200%, mostly linked to holding protest placards.’
Summary
Across the regional front pages this morning several themes stand out:
- Remembrance in Scotland on the 30th anniversary of the Dunblane tragedy.
- Rising household costs, particularly energy prices in Northern Ireland.
- Scrutiny of public services and utilities, including water companies in England and Wales.
- Campaigning against use of Scottish air-bases for bombing Iraq and opposition to Palestinian Action ban.
- And a mix of local human-interest and crime stories across regional titles.
Together they reflect how regional newspapers continue to focus closely on community impact, accountability, and local life, alongside the wider national stories dominating the UK press.
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 Friday 13th March 2026
French Newspapers for Friday 13th March 2026
Montage of world newspapers Friday 13th 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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