North Wales media win grants to boost local news
£90,526 in UK government funding has been awarded to two Welsh media organizations to modernize local journalism through technology and community engagement.
The grants, distributed under the Local News Fund, will support Wrexham Dotcom Limited and Coast Community Radio and Media CIC, which operates Bayside Radio in Colwyn Bay. The combined investment aims to address long-standing challenges in local news, including shrinking resources and shifting audience habits.
Wrexham Dotcom will receive £34,436 to develop an AI-powered tool designed to scan public data sources and flag potential news stories. The system is intended to streamline reporting workflows, allowing journalists to focus on verification and deeper investigations rather than initial story identification.
The project reflects broader industry trends, where smaller newsrooms increasingly rely on automation to offset limited staffing and budgets. While AI tools cannot replace human judgment, they may help local outlets compete with larger organizations that have greater resources for digital innovation.
Coast Community Radio and Media CIC has been granted £56,090 to expand its digital publishing and community reporting efforts. The funding will strengthen partnerships, improve audience analytics, and enhance distribution across multiple platforms, including social media and mobile apps.
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The organization’s work builds on its existing role as a provider of hyperlocal news and public service information in Colwyn Bay. By diversifying its reach, the project seeks to mirror successful models where community-focused media outlets adapt to digital consumption patterns without losing their core mission.
Both initiatives are part of a £6 million government program targeting innovation in local journalism. The funding falls under Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, a strategy to sustain trusted reporting in an era of declining print revenues and rising digital competition.
The government has emphasized that local journalism remains a critical pillar of democratic accountability, particularly in holding public institutions accountable and supporting community trust. Media Minister Ian Murray noted that traditional local outlets have faced existential pressures, with many reducing staff or closing entirely due to economic strain.
“Our vision is for a thriving local media in Wales and across the country,” Murray said.
