Trinity Mirror’s regional titles launched their General Election coverage today by publishing manifestos based on the views of more than 18,000 readers.
The first in a series of regional election initiatives, the ‘My Manifesto’ project aims to cut through the national political agenda and find out what local readers really want from the election.
A list of key election demands have been drawn up for 24 Trinity Mirror titles, including the Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo, Newcastle Chronicle andBirmingham Mail.
The titles plan to use manifestos to question and lobby local politicians, setting the agenda in their areas.
The project kicks off Trinity Mirror’s regional election coverage, which aims to inform regional voters like no other media outlet can, emphasising the important role of local press.
Upcoming projects include digital hustings, interactive maps and Google hangout interviews with candidates.
Social, print and online channels will enable journalists to reach new and expanding audiences during this election.
The reach of Trinity Mirror’s regional titles has increased dramatically since the last election in 2010. The publisher’s regional network registered nearly 30m unique users in January according to ABCe figures.
Neil Benson, editorial director, Trinity Mirror Regionals, said: “The way our audiences consume news has changed dramatically since 2010. This year we can talk to our readers – via print, social and digital – and crucially listen to them like never before.
“Interestingly, local issues tended to place quite highly on most manifestos, making the role regional media plays in this election even more vital.
“We aim to be the conduit for readers and local politics, channelling their views.
“The MyManifesto project is our first to embody this aim, and we’re proud of the fantastic collaboration across the business.”
A total of 18,187 readers took part across 24 titles. Twenty five per cent of those who took part were aged 18-30, 39% aged 31-50 and 34.2% aged 51 or above.
