The Cambridge Independent has emerged victorious at the Regional Press Awards 2024.
It has been named News Brand of the Year (Small), with judges praising its detailed coverage, its even-handed approach and rise in circulation.
The awards – one of two major national awards for newspapers – are judged by industry experts and the winners were announced at a ceremony in London.
Editor Paul Brackley said: “We are delighted to win this award and I’d like to thank all of the team for their hard work every week and all of our contributors. And I’d also like to say thank you to our readers and advertisers for supporting the Cambridge Independent – it is greatly appreciated.”
The organisers said: “The Cambridge Independent does what all great local papers do – understanding and serving its community with detailed coverage and a willingness to give underheard voices a platform. What’s most impressive, however, is that it is doing so while growing its audience at an astonishing rate.
“Over the last year, the paper has reported the debate over a city-wide congestion charge and provoked community-wide discussion about the benefits of a potential light rail system and a tourist tax in the city. It concluded a successful campaign with Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, supporting it in raising £1m for a surgical robot. And its Shining Stars campaign raised funds and awareness for a children’s bereavement support service.
“Judges said the paper remains even-handed in its coverage of major campaigns, where other titles might try to jump on a bandwagon, and highlighted its ‘illuminating’ coverage of science and technology issues, culminating in a highly successful annual awards scheme.
“Best of all, the Independent has seen impressive increases in circulation, engagement and readership as it recorded a year-on-year print sales increase almost every week in the current financial year.”
News editor Gemma Gardner was also shortlisted in the Reporter of the Year (Weekly) category for stories including the exclusive revelation that newly-built homes at Darwin Green would have to be demolished due to faulty foundations, at a cost of millions.
The Cambridge Independent was also commended earlier this year at the industry’s other main awards, the Newspaper Awards, at which it is a five times winner.
It means the newspaper has won a national award for every year since its launch in 2016.
