Real stories from across Scotland.
Scottish Beacon is a collaborative network of independent local and hyperlocal newsrooms serving urban and rural communities. Together we’re working to strengthen the voice of the community-based media sector and bring to light real stories from Scotland’s communities.
We are the first project of its kind bringing together independent publications from all around Scotland. Through the Scottish Beacon we will reveal under-reported stories that connect and strengthen local communities while bringing visibility to the vital work of community-based, independent local journalism.
Our Team
Rhiannon J Davies
Project Manager/Editor
I am the founder of multi-award winning, solutions-focused community magazine, Greater Govanhill, which serves one of Scotland’s most culturally diverse communities. I developed the pilot for The Scottish Beacon as a print magazine released during COP26. I’m in the power of collaboration to transform local journalism and secure its long-term future.
rhiannon@scottishbeacon.com
Juliana da Penha
Project/Communications Coordinator
I am a journalist with experience working in the third sector and the founder of Migrant Women Press, a digital media outlet focused on women’s experiences with migration. I believe collaborative journalism is an opportunity to amplify unheard voices, strengthen the independent media sector and bring readers high-quality journalism with plural perspectives.
juliana@scottishbeacon.com
Why support independent journalism?
Independent community-based journalism helps people to understand issues in society, and make informed decisions. It can empower citizens to create meaningful solutions, create dialogue and foster fundamental changes. In short, it plays an essential role in local democracy.
The old business model, based on advertising and newspaper sales, is no longer viable for many organisations. Most local papers are owned by media huge media conglomerates, who cut staff and consolidate newsrooms to meet demands of distant shareholders. As a result, voices are going unheard, and issues are going under-reported.
Yet despite this, dedicated individuals all around the country are working with limited resources to serve their communities information needs.
You can help local and hyperlocal independent news to bring real stories from across Scotland by supporting Scottish Beacon and becoming a member. Your support will help to repair Scotland’s independent media ecosystem.
What makes us different
We adhere to the five core principals outlined by the Ethical Journalism Network…
Truth and Accuracy
Journalists cannot always guarantee ‘truth’, but getting the facts right is the cardinal principle of journalism. We should always strive for accuracy, give all the relevant facts we have and ensure that they have been checked. When we cannot corroborate information we should say so.
Independence
Journalists must be independent voices; we should not act, formally or informally, on behalf of special interests whether political, corporate or cultural. We should declare to our editors – or the audience – any of our political affiliations, financial arrangements or other personal information that might constitute a conflict of interest.
Fairness and Impartiality
Most stories have at least two sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in every piece, stories should be balanced and add context. Objectivity is not always possible, and may not always be desirable (in the face for example of brutality or inhumanity), but impartial reporting builds trust and confidence.
Humanity
Journalists should do no harm. What we publish or broadcast may be hurtful, but we should be aware of the impact of our words and images on the lives of others.
Accountability
A sure sign of professionalism and responsible journalism is the ability to hold ourselves accountable. When we commit errors we must correct them and our expressions of regret must be sincere not cynical. We listen to the concerns of our audience. We may not change what readers write or say but we will always provide remedies when we are unfair.
Have your say
At The Scottish Beacon, we’re interested in co-creating journalism with inputs from our readers and members right around Scotland. We want to hear from you. We’ll be sharing call outs including questions, polls and surveys on this page. Your answers will feed into our editorial strategy and content
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