Wilmington, New Hanover County to honor local news on April 9

First-ever proclamation to celebrate community journalism

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:49am

The city of Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County will issue a joint proclamation on April 9, 2026 to honor local news organizations and journalists. This marks the first time a community has formally recognized the vital role of community journalism in keeping residents informed.

Why it matters

Local news outlets have faced significant challenges in recent years, including declining revenues and staffing cuts. This proclamation is a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of community-focused reporting and the journalists who serve as watchdogs and storytellers for their neighborhoods.

The details

The proclamation will be issued at a special ceremony on April 9th, where local news leaders and reporters will be recognized for their service. City and county officials will thank journalists for their commitment to covering important issues, holding local leaders accountable, and sharing the stories that matter most to residents.

  • The proclamation will be issued on April 9, 2026.

The players

Wilmington

The city in North Carolina where the proclamation will be issued.

New Hanover County

The county in North Carolina where Wilmington is located, and which is co-issuing the proclamation.

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What’s next

The proclamation ceremony on April 9th will feature speeches from local officials and journalists, as well as a reception to celebrate the community's news providers.

The takeaway

This proclamation demonstrates the value that Wilmington and New Hanover County place on local journalism, and serves as a model for other communities to recognize the essential role of community news organizations.