Today marks the start of News Media Association’s Journalism Matters week (October 28-November 1) which highlights the vital role journalism can play in communities.

To celebrate the campaign we have put together a list of some of the stories The Oldham Times is most proud of covering in 2024 so far.

Court

(Image: GMP) It’s more important than ever that journalists are in court covering the biggest cases impacting residents so people can see that justice is being done.

Earlier this year our reporter Kent Lawlor was in court to cover the sentencing of a gang who had exploited women from a flat above a restaurant in Oldham.

The shocking case showcased how exploitation can happen in plain sight as well as showing how the bravery of one woman was able to bring it to an end by contacting police.

Read the full story here.

Live blogs

(Image: NQ) Bringing the latest updates on breaking news can be a crucial source of information for readers in a fast-changing situation.

Some of the more challenging live coverage we provided this summer was the fear and speculation around the possibility of far-right protestors gathering in Oldham after it was featured on a list of target sites.

Reporter Olivia Bridge was there on scene to cover the peaceful counter-protest providing accurate up to date information about what was happening, and crucially, what was not throughout the evening.

Read the full coverage here.

Investigations

(Image: Graham Taylor/Facebook) When pictures were shared online of a smashed up local window business reporter Olivia Bridge reached out and spoke to nearly a dozen customers about their experiences being left thousands out of pocket by the sudden closure.

She was able to provide clear information about what was happening with former employees who were now a separate unconnected company.

Olivia was also able to speak with the business owner so he could share his side of what had happened.

Read the full coverage here and the interview.

Community campaigns

(Image: NQ, Olivia Bridge/Oldham Council) The Oldham Times has followed every step in the campaign to save Oldham Coliseum since it lost Arts Council England funding and it was a joy to be able to finally report on its success in July.

We were there at the Fairbottom Street theatre to interview council leader Arooj Shah and Coronation Street star, Julie Hesmondhalgh, who spearheaded the Save Oldham Coliseum campaign alongside a hefty group of dedicated theatre lovers.

Your stories

 

(Image: Kelsie McHugh) A crucial part of what we do is champion the stories of people in Oldham, spreading their calls for help and awareness.

One heartbreaking example this year was our interview with a young Oldham mum who has been left devastated and writing a bucket list after doctors told her that she may have just 12 months left to live if she can't get a life-saving emergency transplant.

Celebrating Oldham

(Image: The Greyhound) Finally celebrating the people and businesses of Oldham is one of our favourite parts of the job.

We use our ‘Pub of the Week’ section to shine the spotlight on a local pub and give it some much-deserved love. An example is our feature on  The Greyhound Inn, a Royton favourite including by actor Kelvin Fletcher.

(Image: NQ/Happy Alley)We were also delighted to cover the amazing neighbours who banded together to transform an alleyway into a ‘Happy Alley’ making it a true community space to be proud of.

An incredible achievement and showcases the best of Oldham.

Anyone with a story to tell or someone to celebrate, please send details to The Oldham Times' newsdesk by emailing editorial@theoldhamtimes.co.uk.