THE EDITOR of the Redditch Standard was invited to a special reception at 10 Downing Street after being named a ‘Local Media Champion’.
Tristan Harris, who has worked for Bullivant Media for 22 years and also edits the Bromsgrove and Droitwich Standards and the Coventry Observer, was nominated for the title by Northfield MP Gary Sambrook.
Tristan went to London last Wednesday for the prestigious event.
He said: “I couldn’t believe it when the invitation came through – I just kept checking the email address to ensure it wasn’t a scam or a practical joke.
“Even when I was outside the gates to Number 10, I couldn’t believe it was really happening.
“The day was absolutely amazing. It was great to go down to London, have a look around Westminster and, of course, see what is behind that famous black door we all see so often on the news and in the papers.”
The reception was hosted by the Lucy Frazer MP, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
In a speech she praised the local media for the way they kept people in their areas informed with news and events and for holding MPs and the Government to account when needed.
Through the stories he writes and edits for the papers’ print editions and websites, Tristan has also helped raise funds for numerous charities and has also either led or been involved in, several successful community campaigns.
He added: “We always strive to use this fantastic medium for good and we have accomplished so much for our local communities in my 20 plus years here.
“It was fantastic to receive the recognition and it is certainly a day I will remember for the rest of my life.”
