A WEST Belfast woman known for work in the arts has taken over as Chairperson of Tuairiscigh Béal Feirste – the Community Interest Company behind the publication of the Andersonstown News and belfastmedia.com.
Alison McCrudden has worked for the last 25 years in the arts industry, working as an actor, director, producer, writer and facilitator. In 2015, she co-founded Brassneck Youth with Tony Devlin and Finn Kennedy. Brassneck Youth offers children and young people in West Belfast access to participatory arts workshops.
Now, Alison is using that experience of her beloved West Belfast to serve as Chair of Tuairiscigh Béal Feirste.
Speaking about the role, Alison said: "The Andersonstown News is just slightly older than me – we’ve grown up together. Every Thursday I was sent to the corner shop to get the paper – it was part of the rhythm of our lives: our neighbours, our streets, our stories, our news.
"Growing up in a community under siege, you knew the difference between how your life was being reported and what you were actually living. The Andytown News understood that life because it came from it. There was, and still is, something powerful in opening a paper and recognising your community, hearing its voice and knowing that what is happening to us matters enough to be recorded.
"So, becoming Chair means a great deal to me. There’s affection in it, pride, and a real sense of responsibility. I want the next generation to feel that same connection – to know their lives matter and their stories deserve to be heard.
"I have been working in the arts for 25 years, and throughout that time my work has always been about creating access and space for people to tell their stories, particularly those who have had to fight to be heard. I bring that same passion to this role.
"I know how much talent, generosity, humour and determination there is in our communities. I also know the pressures people are living under. Our papers need to reflect all of that: to celebrate what is good, be honest about what needs to change and hold those with responsibility to account. That’s why it matters who tells our stories and how they’re told."
Alison says that in an ever-changing world of social media and AI where people can no longer rely on the accuracy or truth behind a news story that recognised media outlets are more important than ever.
"It can feel exhausting trying to work out what is true in the world of news," she added. "You open your paper or your phone and there are claims, counterclaims, rumours and things presented as fact because they have been shared thousands of times. Misinformation and deliberate disinformation can do real damage to people and communities.
"That makes journalism with integrity essential. Trust is something we have to earn every week. We pride ourselves in having journalists who check, who question and who are prepared to stand over what they publish. Our papers and our website have a proud history of reporting experiences that others ignored or misrepresented. We intend to carry that commitment forward."
Looking ahead to the future, Alison is aware of the challenges that exist for local media but is determined to ensure that our newspapers and website continue to thrive.
"We have secured funding for new journalists, strengthening our coverage of health, the Irish language and politics," she added.
"That is an exciting step forward. It means more time and expertise to explore the issues that affect our readers, follow stories through and bring more voices into our pages and online. I’m looking forward to seeing what this investment makes possible.
"We have a dedicated team of journalists, sales, support and administrative staff who care deeply about this work. They bring the papers and our website to life, week after week, and their commitment deserves recognition. We now also have a strong Board of Directors with a shared determination to move the organisation forward.
"The CIC gives us a structure through which we can build that future, reinvesting profits in the journalism and the service we provide. We must make the business work so we can keep doing what we believe in – telling the stories that matter to our communities and making sure their voices are heard."
With a new app and a subscription service available for the Andersonstown News, Alison says there are more ways than ever to connect with local news.
"I grew up with the paper arriving every Thursday. My children’s generation reaches for a phone. We need to understand both.
"The affection people have for the printed paper is precious, and I share it but we must progress. We have an opportunity to build on our website, digital editions and app so that people can read us wherever they are in the world and in whatever way suits them.
"I think about younger readers finding a story that speaks to their lives, or someone who has left Belfast opening the paper on their phone and feeling connected to home. That connection matters.
"We want to reach more people and give them reasons to keep coming back. Whatever the format, they should recognise the character of the papers – and know they can trust the content.
"If we value this journalism, we have to help sustain it. There is a cost to having someone make the calls, check a story, turn up at a meeting and keep asking questions until they get an answer.
"Our digital subscription starts at £3.99 a month and gives access to our website articles and digital newspaper editions. It is less than £1 per week. That regular support helps us plan, support our staff and keep producing the journalism our readers expect.
"I would ask people who read us, share our stories or turn to us when something happens in their area to consider subscribing. And if you already buy the paper or support us through your business, thank you. That support matters enormously.
"These papers helped give our community a voice when it needed one most. Our job now is to help make sure that voice has a future."
