Manchester Evening News Shines at Digital Publishing Awards, Celebrates 150 Years of Impact

The Manchester Evening News (M.E.N.) has recently been honored with the prestigious title of Editorial Team of the Year at the Association of Online Publishers (AOP) Digital Publishing Awards. This accolade, awarded during a ceremony in London, underscores the publication's commitment to high-quality journalism and its ability to resonate with audiences across multiple platforms.

A Testament to Quality and Growth

The M.E.N. stood out among well-known competitors such as The Daily Telegraph and GB News, earning praise from the judges for its "clear focus on high-quality journalism." This recognition comes at a time when the publication is celebrating its 150th anniversary, reflecting its longstanding role as a trusted voice in Greater Manchester.

Reaching New Audiences

Recent statistics reveal that the M.E.N. was read by over 11 million people in January 2026 alone, indicating a strong demand for original journalism. The publication has made significant strides to innovate its features and investigations, thereby growing its social media audience and launching a premium subscription product that has attracted thousands of paying customers.

Commitment to Community and Change

Rob Williams, M.E.N. Features and Perspectives Editor, highlighted the publication's role in driving change through investigative journalism. From exposing wrongdoing to covering critical community issues, the team aims to ensure that their work reaches as many people as possible. The launch of the premium product in November 2025 represents a step towards not only sustaining journalism but also adapting to modern reader preferences.

Industry Resilience and Innovation

The AOP Awards showcased the resilience of the digital publishing sector and the innovative spirit of its contributors. Richard Reeves, Managing Director of the AOP, emphasized the importance of celebrating the people and teams that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in journalism. This recognition for the M.E.N. not only honors its past but also sets a promising tone for the future of local news.

As the Manchester Evening News continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of journalism, it remains a pivotal institution for the community, echoing the voices and concerns of Mancunians while promoting transparency and accountability in the region.