sponsored by Argent Media
Recognising the local authority publication that demonstrates a commitment to quality journalism and content that reflects the information needs of the target audience. Criteria include story/information selection, journalistic integrity, plain english, social inclusion, audience engagement and quality control.

2011 Winner: East Riding of Yorkshire Council - Your East Riding
Given the decline in newspaper circulation figures and the fact that councils are now restricted to producing quarterly publications, up to 12 of the 32 pages of Your East Riding are localised to six defined areas of the East Riding. Residents feature heavily and there is a good mix of stories from across the council. Localised pages give local ward members a voice and visibility and events specific to that area are also highlighted. Members of the communications team write all the editorial in-house.

Commended: Southend-on-Sea Borough Council - Outlook
After the appointment of a new supplier offering editorial, photographic and design services, Outlook was relaunched in Summer 2010. The magazine’s branding and designs were improved and updated, and a new editorial policy aims to give diverse groups the opportunity to talk about what life in Southend is like, and how council services impact on their lives. The Southenders column is not afraid to poke fun at the council, and the magazine also launched the City-on-Sea campaign to secure city status as part of the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations.

Commended: St. Helens Council - First
The aim of St. Helen’s First has always been to engage readers rather than lecture them. The jargon-free language is pitched at the wider community to help guide and signpost them to services. The two experienced journalists who create First both have considerable  knowledge of the area and are acutely aware of local issues. A new ‘What’s Your Problem’ feature invites residents to flag up annoying issues such as potholes, vandalised bins, etc. The following issue details how the council responded.

Commended: Ealing Council - Around Ealing
The new format of Around Ealing uses more spreads, which provides more opportunity for high-quality photography to have an impact. The editor and other members of the communication team write all of the editorial, in clear, accessible language with the inclusion of telephone numbers, email addresses and weblinks to engage the reader as much as possible. The ‘info’ pages at the front of the magazine cram in a host of smaller bite-size stories. This has been accompanied by a focus on more human-interest stories, quotes from residents and a desire to use case studies from across Ealing’s diverse community.

Commended: Stoke-on-Trent Council - Our City
Our City reaches out to residents’ groups and community organisations, and has engaged city councillors in creating a magazine that is literally for everyone. Partnerships with police, fire and health services have strengthened Our City’s position as a trusted reporter and source of information and it has been used extensively to encourage people to change the way they access services, with a regular rallying call to ‘Do-it Online’.