Welcome to Cardiff University’s Centre for Community Journalism

The Centre for Community Journalism (C4CJ) is one of Cardiff University's flagship engagement projects that delivers on the University's commitment to the communities of Cardiff, Wales and beyond. It is the centre of excellence for independent community journalism in the UK and Europe. We offer networking, research & information, and training for hyperlocal and community journalists, and support the development of new and existing forms of sustainable local digital and print journalism across the UK.

What We Do

Connect with hyperlocals around the world

Put your publication on the map.

We have built a network of independent community and hyperlocal news publications from Sydney, Australia to Sao Paulo Brazil; from Chongqing, China to Darlington, County Durham. Explore our map to find a hyperlocal in your area or to see how this versatile sector is growing around the world. You can even join the network by adding your own publication to the map.

What Is a Hyperlocal?

The Independent Community News Network (ICNN) is the UK’s representative body for the independent community news sector.

We exist to promote the interests of community and hyperlocal publishers in the UK, and to champion new and sustainable forms of local digital and print journalism. We are the voice of over 100 community news brands in the UK. Our objectives are to increase recognition of community publishers and the vital work they do; make representations on their behalf to policy makers, regulatory bodies, third sector funders, businesses and other organisations, and fight for better opportunities for all.

Apply To Join ICNN

Current Membership: 118

Monthly Page Views : 22000000 Monthly Print Run : 300000

Together we are building the future of independent community journalism...

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Join the conversation

ICNN hosts a dedicated private Facebook Group for members to discuss all things community journalism, share tips and ask other practitioners for advice.

Join The Debate

Browse Our Blog

Tips: How to engage younger readers with your brand – and public interest journalism

By Emma Meese 28th May 2024

By John Baron

Tips on how to discover value and build loyalty with newsletters from NewsRewired

By Emma Meese 28th May 2024

Print certainly isn’t dead – in fact it’s proving more important than ever in some communities.

By John Baron 10th May 2024

ICNN member South Leeds Life will next month celebrate a decade of being in print, and editor Jeremy Morton says…

Welsh Public Interest News Accelerator launches today

By Emma Meese 18th July 2023

Independent community media organisations in Wales are set to benefit from a slice of a £100,000 fund aimed at supporting…

Ping! launch

By Emma Meese 21st April 2023

A New Era for Independent Community News Ping News is set to launch its innovative news delivery platform in May,…

Photo credit: Andrew Gibson/Millgaet Media

The UK’s most northerly news service celebrates its 20th birthday

By Emma Meese 11th April 2023

A SHETLAND based online news service is celebrating its 20th birthday this month. Shetland News, at www.shetnews.co.uk, was started by…

Visit Our Full Blog

Free Wordpress Theme

Designed just for you

Our free WordPress theme has been designed with independent community news publications in mind. The theme is easily customisable even with little technical knowledge, and contains features such as a scrolling headline area, built-in news categories, social links and advertising space. It is also a fully responsive design so it looks great on laptops, tablets and mobile phone screens. It’s a great start for anyone who wants to set up a new community news website.

Download Here

C4CJ Training

We provide advice and assistance on the most commonly needed areas of knowledge for practitioners & those setting up a news hub.

C4CJ Research

In this section we share research and evidence about hyperlocal and community journalism produced by us and by others.

C4CJ Resources

Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies is the top rated NCTJ training centre in the UK.

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// @ICNN @C4CJ

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Centre for Community Journalism