Review of UK and world papers and coverage of UK and global journalism stories and Journalism History for Saturday 23rd May 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 Saturday 23rd May 2026: “‘Heat leaves Africa and Med in shade’ and ‘Can’t cope without Catherine.'” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2058058323321102495
To:
Sky News ‘The Wrap’ discussing front pages of UK national newspapers for Saturday 23rd May 2026. With investigative journalist Susie Boniface and political commentator Benedict Spence. Telegraph: “£300 tax on your summer staycation.” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2058061058674172242
Telegraph reports (behind paywall): “BBC director-general under pressure to free corporation from trans ‘capture.’ Critics warn that broadcaster ‘still indulges activist demands.’” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2058077890818793758
CIoJ LinkedIn news edited by Liz Justice
Latest CIoJ LinkedIn news feed stories edited by Liz Justice at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/63500/
-o-
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 and Health of the Year categories 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.
-o-
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.
-o-
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
-o-
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 Saturday 23rd May 2026
Good morning. Here is a round-up of today’s UK newspaper front pages.
Several of the papers focus on politics and taxation this morning, while others lead on security concerns, the economy, the coming heatwave, and high-profile human-interest stories.
The Guardian leads with post-Brexit negotiations and reports that the government is seeking closer trade integration with Europe under the headline: “UK seeking single market for goods – but EU says no”. The paper says ministers are attempting to negotiate a new arrangement to reduce friction in trade, although Brussels is reportedly resisting aspects of the proposal.
The Financial Times Weekend also leads on economic policy with: “Bonds rally on Burnham fiscal vow”. The paper says markets reacted positively to Labour’s economic messaging, with investors reassured by commitments on taxation and spending discipline.
A similar theme appears in the Daily Mail, which prominently declares: “BURNHAM PLOTS NEW TAX RAID ON MIDDLE ENGLAND”. The paper claims the Labour figure is considering reforms to council tax and land taxation that could affect homeowners and middle-income families.
The Daily Telegraph likewise focuses on local taxation, carrying the headline: “£300 tax on your summer staycation”. The paper says regional authorities may seek powers to impose tourist levies on overnight stays in popular holiday areas.
Meanwhile, The Times takes a broader economic and social approach with: “Rewired for economic ruin”. The paper reports warnings from Sir Keir Starmer’s adviser Sir Kevan Collins that Britain risks long-term economic damage if large numbers of young people remain outside work, training, or education.
Security and defence dominate the front page of The Independent, which leads with: “Nato: We must be ready for Russian attacks by 2030”. The paper reports on military exercises in London and warnings from Western defence officials about the need for greater preparedness against future Russian aggression.
Several papers also focus on the exceptionally warm weather forecast for the bank holiday weekend.
The i Weekend says: “UK heatwave set to break spring record, leaving Africa and Med in the shade”, while the Independent carries its own “Amber health alert” warning as temperatures are expected to exceed 30 degrees in parts of the country.
In the tabloids, the Daily Express leads with a call for accountability over historic abuse scandals under the headline: “‘PEOPLE NEED TO EXPLAIN WHY THEY DID NOT ACT’”. The paper features an interview with a grooming gang victim calling for a criminal investigation into institutional failures.
The Daily Mirror combines football and nostalgia, leading with: “THE BOYS OF ’26”. The paper compares England manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad-building approach to Sir Alf Ramsey’s famous 1966 side, while also paying tribute to television presenter Judith Chalmers following her death at the age of 90.
The Daily Star’s front page reports “Tributes To Holiday Show Star Chalmers” with the headline: “Wish you were still here Judith.”
Finally, The Sun leads on celebrity and relationship drama with the headline: “KATIE’S LEE & THE BIKER BABE”. The paper reports claims involving Katie Price and her former partner, alongside continuing coverage of England’s World Cup squad selections.
Across the papers this morning, the dominant themes are economic uncertainty, taxation, national security, and public accountability — alongside lighter coverage of football, celebrity news, and the unusually hot weather expected across the UK this weekend.
Review of front pages of UK’s regional England, and nation Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland newspapers
Good morning. Here is a further round-up of today’s front pages from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A number of the regional and national titles lead on politics, public policy and social issues, while sport and remembrance also feature prominently across the front pages.
In Northern Ireland, The Irish News Weekend leads with political debate around infrastructure and climate policy. Its headline reads: “First Minister is ‘open’ to amending climate legislation to build A5”. The paper reports that Michelle O’Neill is willing to consider changes to environmental targets in order to facilitate progress on the long-delayed A5 road project.
The Belfast Telegraph leads on a criminal case involving a prominent sports figure, with the headline: “Leading local sports official is charged with serious sexual offence against a child”. The paper says the former athletics official is due in court next month. Alongside that story, the paper also reflects on Ulster Rugby’s defeat in the European Challenge Cup final.
In Wales, the Western Mail focuses on political reflection within Welsh Labour. Its splash headline says: “‘WE LOST OUR CONNECTION WITH PEOPLE’”. The paper carries comments from the party’s interim leader on why voters turned away from Labour and what may be needed to rebuild support.
The South Wales Echo leads on a criminal justice case with the headline: “RACIST KILLERS’ SENTENCES REFERRED TO COURT OF APPEAL”. The paper reports concerns that the prison terms handed to teenage attackers were too lenient.
Scottish papers this morning are dominated by politics, energy, and public policy.
The Scotsman reports: “SNP given 100 days to reveal plan to save North Sea jobs”. The paper says oil and gas leaders are urging the Scottish Government to provide greater clarity and support for the industry amid the transition to renewable energy.
The Herald leads on road safety proposals under the headline: “Move for new drivers to face Scots ‘curfews’”. The paper says ministers are considering restrictions on newly qualified drivers, including limits on late-night driving and passenger numbers.
Meanwhile, The National takes aim at comments on Scottish taxation policy with the bold headline: “TYCOON IN ‘FALSE’ CLAIM THAT 60% OF SCOTS INCOME TAX IS PAID BY SUPER-RICH”. The pro-independence paper says a thinktank has challenged remarks made during a radio interview.
In England, the Manchester Evening News devotes its front page to football manager Pep Guardiola with the simple headline: “THANKS PEP!” The paper marks the Manchester City manager’s decision to leave after a decade in charge and reflects on his success at the club.
The Daily Record also focuses heavily on remembrance and veterans’ issues with the headline: “NEVER FORGET HEROES OF IRAQ”. The paper features former soldiers reflecting on the lasting impact of the Iraq War fifteen years on.
The left wing Morning Star (for peace and socialism) in London declares on its front page: “Burnam: I will bring back the Labour of old.”
Finally, the Yorkshire Post leads on environmental and industrial policy. Its headline reads: “‘Scrap politicised phrase net zero’”. The paper reports calls from business leaders for a renewed focus on jobs, energy security and industrial growth, rather than what they describe as politicised language around climate targets.
Across the regional front pages this morning, the themes are notably varied: political accountability, energy policy, justice, infrastructure, remembrance and sport all compete for attention — reflecting both local priorities and wider national debates heading into the weekend.
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 165th 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) … between 500 and 600 journalists have been forced into exile, and most of those who have stayed back work clandestinely. Targeted by the police, they are arrested, searched, sometimes assaulted, and mistreated in prison.’
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 Saturday 23rd May 2026
French Newspapers for Saturday 23rd May 2026
Montage of world newspapers Saturday 23rd May 2026
-o-
This posting has been produced with the assistance of AI editorial and production services from ChatGPT Plus and Gemini.
All Kultura Press online publications are on Open Access to support the dissemination of knowledge and understanding about journalism, journalism history and other subjects. The research and writing for this ongoing project is not funded in any way. If you would like to assist covering any of the costs involved, do consider making any kind of donation and/or subscribing monthly or yearly using the form below. Many thanks for your consideration.
-o-
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
More Open Access online publications from Kultura Press Chelsea History and Studies George Orwell Studies Media Law Studies Writing Audio Drama That’s So Goldsmiths Journalism History Studies Somerset Maugham Studies Dad’s Army Studies Joseph Conrad Studies Maigret History and Studies Writing for Broadcast Journalists 3rd Edition