SoPublishing celebrates double recognition at Future of Media Awards 2026

SoPublishing has gained further national recognition after being named a finalist in two categories at the Future of Media Awards 2026.

The Cheltenham-based company was shortlisted for Publisher of the Year, joining a high-profile lineup that included The Economist, POLITICO, The i Paper, The Daily Beast, DMG New Media and Times Media – with the publishers of The Times going on to win the category.

Its flagship title SoGlos was also shortlisted for Website of the Year – Regional/Local, alongside some of the UK's leading regional news brands, with the Belfast Telegraph taking home this year's award.

The double shortlist marks another significant milestone for the independent media company during a standout year.

In June, SoPublishing was crowned Small Digital Publisher of the Year at the AOP Digital Publishing Awards 2026, adding further weight to its growing reputation within the UK media industry.

SoPublishing CEO and co-founder Michelle Fyrne said: 'We're incredibly proud to have been recognised twice at this year's Future of Media Awards.

'Seeing SoPublishing alongside names such as The Economist and The i Paper was a particularly proud moment. We've built the company independently from Gloucestershire, with a brilliant team and big ambitions, so to be recognised at this level within our industry means a great deal.

'Following our AOP win earlier this year, it's another fantastic endorsement of what we're building – and an exciting indication of just how far we've come.'

Earlier in the day, Michelle joined SoPublishing managing director and co-founder James Fyrne at the Future of Media Technology Conference, which brought together senior media figures to examine the trends, technologies and business models shaping the future of the industry.

With discussions spanning AI, audience behaviour, digital innovation and new commercial opportunities, the conference provided valuable insight into how leading media organisations are responding to rapid change – and how SoPublishing can continue to evolve its own model from Gloucestershire.

The Future of Media Awards, organised by Press Gazette, celebrate innovation and excellence across the media industry, recognising organisations leading the way in areas including journalism, audience development, technology and commercial innovation.

For SoPublishing, the double shortlist follows a period of continued investment in its digital products, original journalism, audience growth and commercial strategy.

With an AOP award win and two Future of Media Awards finalist places secured in 2026, the company continues to build its profile as one of the UK's most ambitious independent regional media businesses.