Funding the Future: How the Accelerator Supports Welsh Newsrooms

The Welsh Public Interest News Accelerator Fund has just completed its third successful year, providing a vital lifeline to independent publishers across Wales

By enabling these outlets to expand their editorial capacity, improve content quality, and engage more deeply with their communities, the fund has empowered local journalism to thrive in challenging times.

The funding, which follows on from the Accelerator grant of previous years, involved grants of up to £7,000, is provided by the Welsh Government and administered by Ping News and went towards paying 10 independent publishers for their time producing public interest news.

A Catalyst for Public Interest Journalism

The fund has acted as a transformative force for independent publishers, allowing them to address critical gaps in local news coverage. By focusing on underreported issues, fostering innovation, and creating job opportunities, these outlets have enhanced the quality and reach of their reporting. 

Across Wales, this has translated into more transparent local governance, richer community engagement, and better representation for underserved audiences.

For example, Carmarthenshire News Online used the funding to cover health and local government issues, including the impact of council decisions on public health. Their enhanced election reporting has strengthened their position as a trusted voice in the region.

Editor of Carmarthenshire News Online, Alan Evans said: “The Accelerator Fund was a lifeline. We were able to take on a young newly qualified reporter. Not only did this provide us with much needed hands-on help but the young person also brought their own ideas, which we were able to implement alongside.

“The future of journalism in Wales depends on such programmes until such time as legislation levels the playing field.”

Supporting Innovation and Audience Engagement

The fund has also spurred innovation, helping publishers adapt to changing audience needs. Y Cymro (The Welshman) introduced a new pilot program focused on video and online content, discussing major political issues and democracy in Wales, in Welsh.

Cwmbran Life has also embraced video journalism, producing engaging stories that resonate with local audiences. By using social media to amplify their reach, they’ve strengthened community connections and attracted new readers. 

Editor of Cwmbran Life, Ben Black said: “The Accelerator programme was a fantastic boost to local journalism in Cwmbran (and across Wales). Readers loved seeing a journalist face-to-face and spending time in their communities. Time away from the laptop and seeing things first-hand is harder but I've seen and heard readers say how it makes a difference to their stories and builds trust. These are vital things for the wider issue of local news being a source of trusted information in an age of misinformation.

“The support, advice, and way the programme was run by Ping! made the whole experience seamless from start to finish.” 

Meanwhile, Golwg 360 used the funding to expand Welsh-language journalism, giving a voice to underrepresented communities, notably in the South Wales valleys and addressing the democratic deficit in these areas and addressing the concerns of Welsh-speaking communities which are often excluded by the mainstream media.

My Town Media prioritised transparency by dedicating resources to covering town council meetings, ensuring their communities stay informed about key local decisions. 

Editor of My Welshpool, David Williams, said: “One important part of this is holding our democratic leaders to account, and through the fund, we have been able to scrutinise local councils like never before, spending hours trawling through the minutes and agendas as well as attending meetings. This has led to dozens of sensitive stories being shared into the public domain that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.”

The funding also enabled My Town Media to launch MyWelshpoolTV, a video news initiative that produced high-quality, professionally edited reports viewed hundreds of thousands of times. “It was astonishing to see the demand for local news in this way,” Williams said. 

“We were very much leading the way in terms of quality and exposure of our reports. They made a real difference too.”

By leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and maintaining a YouTube library, My Town Media ensured mass exposure for their content.

The Caerphilly Observer also demonstrated the transformative impact of the fund.

Editor of the Caerphilly Observer, Richard Gurner, said: "Without this funding we would not be able to produce stories which reflect, and strengthen, the bond of the communities we serve.”

He emphasised the challenges faced by independent journalism, noting, "As we sadly know all too well, the business model to sustain journalism is collapsing and new models, such as reader revenue, take time to grow. Public funding like the accelerator programme is vital to keep independent journalism alive in Wales, in the short to medium term."

Strengthening Local Economies through Job Creation

A key outcome of the fund has been its role in sustaining and creating journalism jobs across Wales. From full-time roles at Nation.Cymru, who added a fluent Welsh speaker to their team, to freelance opportunities at Wrexham.com and Papur Y Cwm, the fund has provided critical employment for journalists in Wales. 

For instance, Golwg 360’s hiring of trainee reporters has nurtured new talent, while the Glamorgan Star’s part-time reporter roles have bolstered their capacity to cover local democracy.

Chief Reporter at the Glamorgan Star, Phillip Irwin, said: “In the real world, Women’s Institutes still meet. Ramblers walk. Rotary clubs and Soroptimists get together and often devote their time to charitable work. Choirs sing, community events take place and people who read our newspaper get a sense of society.”

“He added: We offer responsible journalism at the heart of the community and at a time when people need to know they can trust their truly local paper.  Too many independent community newspapers are having to close their doors due to the lack of funding, particularly through advertising,  due to the economic climate and this is so detrimental to society of whom many can feel isolated and vulnerable.

“The Accelerator funding has been vital to us and we are very grateful for this.”

Addressing Challenges and Looking Forward

While the fund’s impact is undeniable, the short-term nature of its grants poses challenges for publishers. Retaining skilled journalists and sustaining editorial growth often requires more stable, long-term support. Future funding rounds that extend over longer periods could provide greater security, enabling outlets to focus on innovation and strategic growth.

The rise of AI-generated content further underscores the importance of trusted, human-centered journalism. By fostering local publishers, the fund empowers communities with accurate, nuanced reporting that counters misinformation and enriches public discourse.

Sustained investment from the Welsh Government and Creative Wales is essential for nurturing a thriving independent news sector. By supporting initiatives that prioritise local relevance, cultural identity, and democratic accountability, we can ensure that Welsh communities remain informed, resilient, and empowered.