Highlands and Moray Local Democracy Reporter Service explained
The Local Democracy Reporting Service was set up by the BBC in 2017 with the aim to help fill the gap when it came to reporting on local authorities.
Although the scheme is funded by the BBC, each reporter is employed by an independent news organisation, in this case Highland News and Media for the first time.
With titles across the Highlands and Moray, as the new local democracy reporter, I’ll aim to bring you content that may not be covered otherwise.
I’ll look at every Highland Council and Moray Council agenda, be available to every councillor across the patch and contact all the community councils in a bid to shine a light on the hottest topics that are important to people living here.
What is a Local Democracy Reporter?
The role of the Local Democracy Reporter (or LDR) is to provide impartial coverage on the daily workings of the local authorities and public services receiving local government money within the area.
I’ll attend as many council meetings as I can - so you don’t have to.
In-person attendance at council meetings will be crucial to consistently publishing impactful and engaging stories. Being in the room when decisions are made will give me a significant deeper understanding of the nuance and debate behind any minutes or report of a meeting.
This is also where trusted relationships will be built, networks established and off-diary stories secured.
Why are Local Democracy Reporters important?
Informing the public and holding power to account are the core values of any journalist but it's especially important when it comes to the LDR. The key to the role lies within the local element, having a dedicated reporter - who knows the area - will ensure that the community gets the information that they actually care about in clear, concise and simple terms.
I’ll also spend time in communities across the whole patch. This will lead to a better understanding of the issues being debated and covered, deeper connections with communities and councillors - and more engaging stories.
National politics is not part of this, but election campaigns and constituency work of MPs and MSPs specifically relating to Highland Council and Moray Council may be covered.
The service is generally seen as a vital resource for bolstering local journalism and accountability.
Where to find the local democracy news and how to contact me?
The LDR articles will appear online first.
Anyone can email me on olivia.andrews@hnmedia.co.uk so contact me if you have anything that needs to be covered.
