Express FM and The News are coming together as part of a new ongoing collaboration to strengthen local news coverage in Portsmouth.
Based on Winston Churchill Avenue, Express FM has been an important cultural asset to the city for eighteen years.
The radio station provides a platform for the people and organisations of Portsmouth to “express” themselves, educating and training volunteers, facilitating discussion about community matters and strengthening links within the city.
The News has been at the heart of Portsmouth life since 1877. Today, in addition to the physical paper, it is as much of a digital news provider via its website and social media channels.
The partnership will see increased content-sharing between both organisations and begin with the launch of an on-air news review feature rounding up Portsmouth’s top stories, which will be broadcast a number of times each week, and made available as a podcast, following its debut on Express Breakfast with Ian James.
The best of The News' stories will also be shared onto the Express FM website and social media channels to help widen the audience reach for the city's local news.
Express FM Content Manager Harrison RB said: “It’s really exciting to be teaming up with The News and we can’t wait to start working more closely together going forward.
“We are a small not-for-profit organisation but have been a trusted brand in the city for eighteen years, and to both back and be backed by such prestigious journalism is huge for us.
“Our unique ability to bring fact-checked local stories to life using the power of radio is just one of the ways we will be working together, united in the fight against misinformation that threatens local democracy.”
Editor Kelly Brown said: “Our wonderful city has so much to shout about and celebrate, and keeping local residents up-to-date with the local news is important as part of that.
“I'm thrilled that our new collaboration will not only improve Express FM's news offering but also give us the opportunity to reach a new audience in this growing digital age.”
