A Historic Win: Manchester Evening News Named Editorial Team of the Year!
In a remarkable achievement for local journalism, the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N.) has been awarded the prestigious title of Editorial Team of the Year at the Association of Online Publishers (AOP) Digital Publishing Awards. This honor was presented at a ceremony held in London, where the M.E.N. triumphed over notable competitors such as The Daily Telegraph and GB News, signifying its dominance in high-quality journalism.
Recognition of Excellence in Journalism
The judges praised the M.E.N. for its "clear focus on high-quality journalism," a testament to the newspaper's commitment to serve its readers with insightful and thorough reporting. This accolade reflects not just individual efforts but a collective endeavor to elevate the standards of journalism in the digital age. Reporter James Holt’s nomination for the AOP award for Inspiring Local Journalism further underscores the value of local storytelling and engagement.
150 Years of Trusted Reporting
As the M.E.N. celebrates its 150th anniversary, it has maintained its position as the trusted voice of Manchester, engaging more than 11 million readers in January 2026 alone. This remarkable reach underlines the importance of original journalism and the deep connection the M.E.N. shares with its audience, showcasing how local journalism resonates on a massive scale.
Innovation and Growth
In a rapidly changing media landscape, the M.E.N. has not merely adapted but has actively worked to innovate. Last year saw a focused initiative to enhance its features and investigations, expand its social media presence, and launch a premium product aimed at committed readers. During a time when many media outlets struggle to monetize content, the M.E.N. has successfully garnered thousands of paying subscribers.
A Commitment to Community
The M.E.N. has demonstrated a relentless commitment to community engagement and accountability. From exposing wrongdoing to countering misinformation, the newsroom has illustrated the vital role of journalism in informing the public and driving change. With high-impact reporting that tackles significant issues—such as safety and public health—the M.E.N. stands as a beacon of responsible journalism in Greater Manchester.
Richard Reeves, Managing Director of the AOP, encapsulated the event's spirit by highlighting the resilience and innovative spirit of the industry. As the M.E.N. continues to lead the conversation and reshape the future of local journalism, the momentum generated from this award promises an exciting chapter in the history of news reporting in the region.
