THE King has shown his support for journalism, calling it a “cornerstone of our democracy”.
Charles yesterday told local reporters, editors and technical operators that they had a vital role to play in society.
He said at Buckingham Palace: “That role for your whole industry is now more important than ever.”
The King, 76, who has been an Honorary Life Member of the London Press Club since 1978, added: “You won’t always get it right. A free media is one that will and does make mistakes.
“But at its best, it is a cornerstone of our democracy.”
The King and Queen hosted 400 guests from UK news organisations yesterday at the Palace to offer their support for local journalism.
Queen Camilla is also a patron of The Journalists’ Charity, as well as The Guild of St Bride’s — known as the journalists’ church — in Fleet Street.
Charles acknowledged the media landscape was being disrupted by changing technologies.
But he told the attendees: “Your reporting helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share.
“It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice.”
He added: “Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow.
“It is in everyone’s interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.”
