National World is partnering with the University of Central Lancashire to move its Lancashire Post title onto the university campus.
The newspaper will now be based at the Media Factory, which is home to UCLan’s journalism department.
“This is fantastic news for our staff and titles as it means the best of both worlds with hybrid working and access to a flexible office with great transport links, not to mention a host of other facilities including a cafe in the building and parking,” said Lancashire Post and Blackpool Gazette editor Nicola Adam.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for innovative thinking around journalism and partnerships and will provide opportunities for the journalists of the future and for meaningful collaboration with the university as we rethink the industry and demands of younger audiences.”
Adam is herself a Google-sponsored graduate of UCLan’s Journalism Leadership and Innovation course and will shortly be moving into a new role as Publishing Editor.
National World said that the paper’s existing Preston office will close its doors on March 13th.
“Journalism has been taught in Preston since 1962, making it the oldest such university programme in England and our special relationship with the Lancashire Post goes back at least that far,” added Dr François Nel of the Media Innovation Studio at UCLan.
“Our relationship has also fed into the pioneering and ongoing innovation at the LEP and the wider organisation. Having those colleagues as neighbours will no doubt ensure we all remain at the cutting-edge of our fields and relevant to the communities we serve.”
