Review of UK and world papers and coverage of UK and global journalism stories and Journalism History for Thursday 26th 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 & strictly apolitical.
X posts:-
BBC News Papers’ Review analysing front pages of UK national newspapers for Thursday 26th March 2026: “‘Iran rejects peace plan’ and ‘£400m cost of savings scandal.'” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2036998803824181636
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Sky News ‘The Wrap’ presented by Anna Botting with Aubrey Allegretti of The Times, and Gillian Keegan, former education secretary. “Tech giants found liable for social media addiction.” FT: “Kremlin bolsters Iran’s war effort.” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2037000190897385489
CIoJ LinkedIn news edited by Liz Justice
The BBC has announced Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, as its new director-general. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
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US TV anchor Savannah Guthrie is starting to go back to work almost two months after her Mother Nancy disappeared in the middle of the night. 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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Chartered Institute of Journalists Young Journalist of the Year Awards 2026
Coverage by Hold The Front Page
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.
Cavendish report on the Awards: ‘The future of journalism is in safe hands – as was clear at The Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ) 2026 Young Journalist of the Year Awards in London this week. Cavendish was proud to sponsor the Business/Financial category and to have supported the new Health category this year – and we were genuinely blown away by the quality, insight, and expertise on display.’ See Cavendish Tech and Innovation film report at: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cavendishtech_awards-journalism-pr-activity-7440318530635358208-JG3c/
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 Ceremony presented by Riz Lateef- broadcaster and principal presenter for BBC London TV’s flagship early evening news on BBC One in the City of London on 17th March 2026.
Awards announced at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Tower Hill, following the Society of Editors Annual Conference. A full list of winners, what they reported on and judging panels’comments at: https://registration.livegroup.co.uk/youngjournalistaward/winners2026/
Overall CIoJ Young Journalist of the Year– Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder/Local London (pictured below).
Charlotte said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be recognised in this way; particularly as local news is so important to journalism and also vitally important to local democracy as well.”
Young Journalist of the Year Award sponsored and supported by The Live Group
YOUNG BUSINESS/FINANCIAL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR– Sponsored by Cavendish Tech and Innovation.
Winner Nikou Asgari, Financial Times
Commended Lucy Frost, International Financial Review
Finalist Sofia Gerace, mlex.com
Celebrating CIoJ Young Business/Financial Journalist of the Year Award Winner Nikou Asgari (Financial Times). With CIoJ President Gerald Bowey, Principal BBC London Newscaster Riz Lateef, Rhodri Harries MD Cavendish Tech and Health, and FT’s film & video revise editor Simon Greaves.
Second image Celebrating Commended CIoJ Young Business/Financial Journalist of the Year Award Finalist Lucy Frost, International Financing Review. See: https://ifre.com/author/618/lucy-frost With CIoJ President Gerald Bowey, BBC London Newscaster Riz Lateef, and Rhodri Harries MD Cavendish Tech and Health
YOUNG NEWS REPORTER OF THE YEAR– Sponsored by Pukaar Group Leicester.
Winner Isabel (Issy) Clarke, Southwark News
Finalist Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder/Local London
Finalist Megan Owen, BBC London
YOUNG ENVIRONMENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner Ellen Ormesher, DeSmog UK and Shetland Times
Finalist Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder/London Local
YOUNG CAMPAIGNING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder – online and in print
Commended Finalist: Patricia Figueiredo, mlex.com
YOUNG FEATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR
Winner Simon Ezra-Jackson, The Damned, print magazine, The New World.
Highly Commended Joseph Watt, Ultramarathon, The Offset.
Finalist Annaliese Smith, moretohistory.com, Birmingham Dispatch, Discover Wildlife
YOUNG POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE YEAR
Winner Amy Gibbons, The Daily Telegraph
Finalist Jiji Ahn, BBC News
Finalist Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, ITV National News
YOUNG ARTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner Sofia de la Cruz, Wallpaper
Finalist Katie Chambers, The Stage
Finalist Evie Glen, Metal magazine
YOUNG TRAVEL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner Kira Richards, National Geographic(UK)/Sunday Times
Alice Barnes-Brown, Travel Weekly
Annaliese Smith, Independent/Wired For Adventure
YOUNG HEALTH JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner Amy Borrett, Financial Times
Finalist Ella Kipling, Mirror/Wales Online
Finalist Eliza Slawther, Pink Sheet
YOUNG SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner Jamie Barton, CNN Digital Sports, London
Finalist Aryan Jolly, The Real EFL/The Football Deck/Wisden
Finalist Joseph Ryan, Kent Standard/Football Writers’ Association
YOUNG SHOW BIZ JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner Evie Glen, The List, online magazine
Finalist Ella Kipling, The Mirror
Many thanks to Riz Lateef, award-winning broadcaster and the principal presenter for BBC London TV’s flagship early evening news on BBC One.
She praised and presented each award-winning journalist.
LBC Breakfast Show Presenter Nick Ferrari praised the winners and finalists saying: ‘I don’t envy the world you are entering which has major challenges which are greater than I ever had. Having to get to grip with all the fake news and Artifical Intelligence- which I have to say scares me. Your work is fantastic and we have been rightly told the future of the industry is in great hands.’
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 26th March 2026
Today’s newspapers are led by escalating international tensions, domestic political disputes, and a number of prominent legal and social stories.
Several of the broadsheets focus on developments in the Middle East and the response from Washington.
The Financial Times reports “Kremlin bolsters Iran’s war effort by shipping drones, medicines and food”, pointing to what it describes as growing evidence of Russian support for Tehran.
A similar theme leads The Guardian, which says “Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal amid attempts to keep talks alive”, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts despite continued conflict.
The Times takes a more direct line on the US response, with “Trump flies into rage as Iran rejects peace plan”, suggesting increasing pressure on the White House.
Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph focuses on the domestic political implications, leading with “£400m cost of savings scandal”, alongside its coverage of foreign policy tensions, noting the US president’s warning to “unleash hell” if diplomacy fails.
Turning to defence and security, The i reports “Royal Navy forced to borrow warship from Germany – deepening fears on UK defences”, raising concerns about military readiness and capability.
In domestic politics and society, The Daily Express leads with “I WILL PROTECT SAFE SPACES FOR WOMEN”, reflecting ongoing debate around gender policy and legislation.
The Daily Mail gives prominence to a criminal case involving artificial intelligence, with the headline “A.I. bot told teen to use a hammer to kill his mother”, linking the story to wider concerns about online influence and safety.
That theme is echoed in the Financial Times, which also reports that “Meta and Google liable over children’s mental health in landmark US ruling”, suggesting potential global implications for tech regulation.
Several tabloids focus on high-profile personal and legal stories.
The Daily Mirror leads with “DO YOUR DUTY”, calling for the Duke of York to give evidence in the United States, while also reporting “Beckham’s heartache as Cruz sings of family rift.”
The Sun highlights public reaction to a criminal case with “WHY ISN’T HUW IN JAIL?”, describing what it calls “TV viewers’ outrage” over sentencing.
The Star‘s front page is headlined: “Game of Throw-Ins- Let’s hope England nuke’em in World Cup,” explaining “Darts ace Luke Littler shows the England team how to be world champs. Come on England – hit the World Cup bullseye.”
Finally, The Independent carries a striking international investigation headlined “The deadly mines at the heart of Trump’s bid to profit from Africa”, focusing on conflict minerals and geopolitical interests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In summary, today’s front pages are dominated by the deepening crisis involving Iran, questions over Western responses, and concerns about defence readiness. Alongside that, domestic debates around law, technology, and public figures continue to shape the national conversation.
Review of front pages of UK’s regional England, and nation Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland newspapers
A number of today’s regional front pages are led by crime, justice and public safety, alongside infrastructure concerns and political tensions.
In London, the Metro leads with a striking political and legal story: “Crystal meth MP’s chem sex parties”, reporting allegations involving a former Conservative minister, described as “shock court claims”.
The left-wing ‘for peace and socialism’ Morning Star runs the headline: ‘MPs: End US Oil Siege On Cuba- Over 100 now back EDM condeming Trump’s bid to starve island.‘ There is a picture of an admonishing US President Donald Trump pointing his finger at the reader.
In Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph focuses on the aftermath of a high-profile murder case. Its headline reads: “‘Natalie’s murderer should never be released… he’ll always be a danger’”, as the victim’s parents speak publicly following the conviction.
The same case continues to dominate coverage in The Irish News, which reports: “‘Arrogant’ McCullagh’s lightsaber video hours after he killed Natalie”, highlighting details presented during the trial.
In Scotland, law and order is prominent. The Daily Record leads with “POLICE NEED MORE COPS TO WIN GANG WAR”, quoting a former inspector who says forces are struggling against organised crime.
The Scotsman turns to politics and international investment, with “SNP anger as the UK blocks huge Chinese turbine plan”, citing security concerns behind the decision.
The Scottish Daily Mail front page story is: “£1.5BN Plans Axed Amid Chinese Security Fears” explaining “UK Government vetoes 1,500-job proposals for Scottish factory.
The National in Scotland covers the same story and further reports more prominently the headline: “MP: Sarwar ‘Would Sell Scottish Health Data To Palantir.‘” This is followed by four bullet points: “SNP warning over Thiel’s tech giant; Firm would ‘entrench monopoly’; ‘People must be under no illusiions’ and Streeting in new donation rowl”
Meanwhile, The Herald focuses on household finances, reporting “Watchdog calls for crucial intervention on water bills”, warning that rising charges could significantly impact Scottish households.
In England, infrastructure and public services feature heavily.
The Yorkshire Post reports “A64 upgrade put back for 5 years”, describing delays to a major road project and concerns over regional investment.
In Manchester, the Manchester Evening News leads on a building collapse investigation with “We did everything in our power”, quoting a councillor linked to the site as questions continue over responsibility.
In Birmingham, the weekly Birmingham Post reports on its front page: ‘Independents in electoral pact to oust Labour and take control in Birmingham.’ The standfirst explains: ‘Alliance of candidates in tactical battle to target ruling group in elections.’
In Wales, health and human-interest stories dominate.
The South Wales Echo carries “DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS FOR STAR TOSHACK”, reporting on the former footballer’s illness.
The Western Mail also references the same case but leads on crime, with “Son jailed for hammer murder of own mother”, detailing a court verdict.
Across the regions, a consistent theme emerges: concerns over public safety, justice and infrastructure, alongside the personal impact of major criminal cases. There is also a clear thread of political tension—whether over policing resources, investment decisions, or the cost of living.
That’s a look at today’s front pages.
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 26th March 2026
French Newspapers for Thursday 26th March 2026
Montage of world newspapers Thursday 26th 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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