The editor of Computer Weekly, winner of the 2024 British Journalism Award for Campaign of the Year, has emphasized the importance of specialist publications in producing quality journalism that deserves national attention.
Computer Weekly was recognized for its extensive coverage over 15 years on the wrongful convictions of Post Office subpostmasters due to faulty accounting software. Bryan Glick, the editor since 2009, expressed gratitude to the national media for their coverage of the Post Office scandal but urged them to pay more attention to the work of specialist publications like Computer Weekly.
The magazine published around 350 stories on the Post Office’s faulty Horizon software, with chief reporter Karl Flinders and freelance Nick Wallis leading the way. While other outlets eventually picked up the story, it wasn’t until the release of ITV drama “Mr Bates vs The Post Office” in early 2024 that the issue gained widespread attention. Parliament later passed a law to overturn the convictions of affected subpostmasters.
Former Computer Weekly journalist Rebecca Thomson, who investigated the scandal in 2009, was awarded an OBE for her contributions to justice. Glick noted that while they may not currently be covering scandals on the scale of the Post Office affair, Computer Weekly continues to report on relevant issues like cybersecurity and data privacy.
Glick highlighted the unique perspective and trust that specialist publications have with their audiences, leading to stories that may not be picked up by national media but are still important on a broader scale. He emphasized the value of long-term campaigning journalism and the power of British media in effecting change.
Overall, Glick praised the symbiotic relationship between journalism and dramatization, noting that both played a crucial role in bringing justice to the victims of the Post Office scandal.