The Manchester Evening News has been held up as an example of “exceptional local journalism” for its coverage of the Manchester Arena terror attack.
The Society of Editors said that journalists “should be applauded” for the work they had produced in difficult conditions.
“In terrible circumstances, the Manchester Evening News has this week proved that local newspapers are an essential and valued source of information in their communities,” said a statement from the SoE.
“Not only did the paper’s journalists work throughout the night to put together 34 pages of coverage in the immediate aftermath of the atrocity, they have continued to provide comprehensive, sensitive and informative updates on a daily basis in the wake of the attack. A fundraising appeal set up by the paper to support the victims of the bombing has also raised more than £1 million in a matter of days.
“In what must have, at times, been challenging and difficult circumstances, the paper has produced timely reports, asked the difficult questions and provided a voice to a community that is both grief stricken and united.
“An example of truly exceptional local journalism, the MEN’s coverage has provided a trusted and valued source of information and updates for the people of Manchester and a national and international community that stands by its side.”
