Journalism Matters is a week-long campaign from the News Media Association (NMA) which aims to highlight the vital role trusted news plays in communities.

The campaign highlights the vital role trusted news media journalism plays in our democratic society and the importance of its continued survival. 

By campaigning on behalf of their readers, independent news media can make a real difference in people’s lives and bring about change for the better.

This year, we want to highlight the importance of trusted, local journalism, and explain the history of the Hereford Times, and the quality news we bring to you.

The Hereford Times' story began in 1832 when, in May, a prospectus was published announcing the new publication.

There have, however, also been important changes in our own story. In 1910, the paper was sold - saved in fact by a rescue consortium headed by Sir Arthur Croft, of Croft Castle. A new editor/manager was then appointed: Saxon Mills, who was a journalist and barrister. 

In 1927 ownership changed again when the Macaskie family, who owned papers in London, bought The Hereford Times and, five years later, bought and absorbed the Hereford Journal for under £1,000.

After Mr Macaskie died in 1963, the paper was acquired by Berrows, bringing it into ownership of a major group for the first time - Rupert Murdoch's News International owned Berrows.

Reed International bought the group, including The Hereford Times, in 1982 and the story comes up to date during the 1990s. In, 1996 - Newsquest was formed to effect a management buyout of Reed Regional Newspapers. Then, in 1999, the US-based company Gannett, publishers of daily and weekly titles in America, including USA Today, bought Newsquest.

For 192 years, journalists at the Hereford Times have been bringing you quality, trusted news. The role of trusted local newspapers has never been more important with the advent of social media, where the truth can often get lost among speculation and rumours.

The Hereford Times serves readers across a broad range of backgrounds, beliefs, ages and interests and as such it is inevitable that we cannot please everyone all the time.

However, our aim is to produce content online and in print that is accurate, even-handed, informative and entertaining.

We report on news that matters to our communities, and often this can involve giving a voice to local campaigns deserving of more attention.

Here is a small selection of stories that the Hereford Times has published within the last few years which have helped to inform and educate the public on important local matters:

Farmer to be sentenced for causing huge damage to river Lugg in Herefordshire

Lies, delays and failures: furious reaction to Herefordshire child care report

Wildlife concerns as Baldwins Wood Farm goes up for sale

Teen biker died after overtaking tractor on busy Herefordshire road

Workers of collapsed Herefordshire firm fight for unpaid wages

New Herefordshire homes left half-built as builder goes bust

SAS legend's medals go on sale with Herefordshire antique traders

Hereford hospital doctor suspended after 'porky sausages' allegation

Dying Hereford man left without suitable house for two years

Hereford grandad's outrage: 'Why won't police stop sex offender filming my family?'