Independent
Communications Network

The ICN is a platform for collaboration between civil society, ethical independent media, and the professionals who support them. It is designed to enable stronger, smarter communication across sectors committed to social change and public interest storytelling.

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About the ICN:

Civil society usually has to respond to an agenda set by others. 
We rarely get to set the it.

This must change.

The Independent Communications Network is a very simple set of discussion threads designed to enable us to connect and connect and coordinate across borders. When we are better connected, we can reach more people, engage them more deeply, and mobilize them more effectively.

This enables us all to reach more people, engage them more deeply and activate them more effectively.

The Network Brings Together:

Independent Publishers & Content Creators

Collaborating with organisations gives you rich, relevant stories and access to audiences who want more.

Help shape how campaigns communicate, and amplify one another’s work to grow together. This network connects you with people doing meaningful work - building trust, boosting engagement, and strengthening your platform.

Together, we create a communications ecosystem powered by independence, credibility, and collaboration.

Trade Unions & Co-operatives

Independent media audiences are active, engaged, and open to your message. We help you connect with them - boosting recruitment, raising awareness, and supporting member engagement.

Together, we can build a resilient communication system that promotes co-operation and collective power. Don’t rely on a media landscape that sidelines or misrepresents you - help build one that works for all of us.

Grassroots & Community Organisations

Effective communication is vital for grassroots and community groups. We connect you with independent media, influencers, and skilled communicators to engage audiences who care. In return, your stories strengthen their impact and reach.

By working together, we build a healthier media ecosystem - amplifying your cause while supporting independent voices over establishment outlets. It’s a virtuous circle.

NGOs & Campaign Groups

Independent media and creators offer better, fairer coverage than legacy outlets or hostile social platforms.

We help you build stronger relationships with trusted voices who care about your work.

By supporting their growth, you help reshape the information ecosystem in your favour - one that serves your goals, reflects your values, and reaches audiences ready to take action.

By fostering a trusted, values-driven network, the ICN aims to:

1. Share Resources and Best Practice

The ICN exists to help your organisation not just survive, but thrive. Through the network, you’ll gain access to shared resources and the most up-to-date best practice - not only in communications, but also in legal support, business development, finance, and more.

Whether you're looking for guidance, templates, tools, or peer advice, you’ll find practical support in accessible, multimedia formats. We believe in lifting each other up, and by sharing what works, we can all move further, faster - together.

2. Connect with Like-Minded People and Organisations

Creating social change can sometimes feel isolating - but it doesn’t have to be. The ICN connects you with others who understand your challenges and share your goals.

Whether you’re seeking collaborators, support, advice, or just someone to bounce an idea off, the network is here to help. In return, your experience and insight can help others. Together, we create a warm, welcoming space where people and organisations can learn, grow, and succeed - stronger together than we could ever be alone.

3. Promote Independent Media

Independent media is essential to the kind of change we all want to see - telling the stories that matter, challenging disinformation, and building public trust. It’s the fastest-growing part of the media landscape, but it must grow further to make the impact we need.

By joining the ICN, you help promote and strengthen independent media. Whether you’re a civil society group, creator, or publisher, working together means building an ecosystem capable of real influence - and real change.

4. Build Capacity to Communicate with Power, Clarity and Reach

Effective communication is key to impact. Through the ICN, we’ll build our collective capacity to communicate clearly, powerfully, and widely - across sectors and platforms.

Together, we’ll share tools, launch joint initiatives, amplify each other’s work, and learn what really works. Whether you’re a campaigner or a creator, this network will help you better engage, inform, and inspire - and reach people you wouldn’t otherwise reach.

When we communicate well together, we grow together - and bring more people with us.

JOIN THE ICN:

Joining the Independent Communications Network is quick and easy. Just click the link to fill in a short Google form confirming you meet our eligibility criteria. Once submitted, we’ll get you onboarded as soon as possible so you can start connecting, collaborating, and contributing to a stronger, more independent communications ecosystem.

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Who is behind the Independent Communications Network:

The Independent Communications Network is an initiative of the Independent Media Trust, founded by IMPRESS—the UK’s independent press regulator, free from state or corporate funding. IMPRESS exists to protect the public from media harms and promote accurate, trustworthy journalism. This network aims to reduce disinformation, misinformation, and harmful media practices by connecting civil society with independent media and communicators. In a confusing and often hostile information landscape, we are building a vibrant, reliable ecosystem that serves the public good, supports democracy, and strengthens civic life. These are global challenges, and we are working with partners around the world to meet them together.