Journalism Matters, a week-long campaign from the News Media Association (NMA) to highlight the vital role trusted news plays in communities, is currently underway.

Since 1867, The Bolton News (or Bolton Evening News as it was called once upon a time) has championed the town on the local, national and international stage. 

The newspaper has brought about change both locally and nationally and, most importantly in the digital age, taken care to report the facts in a fair and just way.

The role of local newspapers has never been more important with the advent of social media, where the truth gets lost among speculation, rumours and downright lies.

The Bolton News team will continue to cut through that to bring you news that you can trust, whether that's breaking news, holding power to account, championing open justice or celebrating local people and organisations.

Examples of the important work we do include persuading the Government to relook at legislation, a successful campaign calling for dangerous drivers who cause serious injuries to face tougher sentences and, more recently, raising awareness of train passengers being given criminal records over fare mix-ups.

Here are some key facts and figures we think you should be aware of:

A survey by Local Matters this year found that 92 per cent of adults in the UK say they use local media.

Figures from the NMA survey last year revealed that 86 per cent of editors agreed the "BBC’s plans to cut its local radio provision and expand its online local news content in competition with local newspaper sites will damage independent local journalism in the UK".

The NMA “Local Matters” survey this year said 67 per cent of the public agreed the spread of misinformation and fake news was their main concern with AI, ahead of lack of human creativity and judgement (63 per cent), and the loss of human jobs (61 per cent).

The NMA Survey last year reported 97 per cent of editors agreed the "risk to the public from AI-generated misinformation ahead of the general election was greater than ever before".

Broadcast regulator Ofcom found in 2021 that just 33 per cent of people think "social media is a trustworthy source of news".

Trust plays a key role, with people being more than twice as likely (+115 per cent) to trust news brands over social media, according to Newsworks.

A total of 73 per cent of UK adults "trust the news and information they see in their local news media", the NMA “Local Matters” survey this year found.

And here are 10 stories The Bolton News has published this last year which have helped to make a difference to people's lives:

Northern railway to "withdraw" fines and prosecutions

Bolton: NCP Ltd decision on debt ends 100 days of debate

Families call for action on closure of Sandpipers Southport

Head of St Joseph's RC High School calls for action on e-cigs

Pensioner fined £200 for parking in Bolton town centre

Save Bolton Hospice: Bolton News campaign raises £100,000s

Bolton News to raise funds for Urban Outreach this summer

Surveillance on St Helens Road after number of crashes

Bolton Lions Christmas Appeal breaks records thanks to YOU

Bolton campaign to raise awareness of cosmetic fillers for under-18s

If you want to raise an issue or celebrate a local achievement please do get in touch.