SoPublishing has been named Small Digital Publisher of the Year at the Association of Online Publishers (AOP) Digital Publishing Awards 2026 – one of the UK's most prestigious celebrations of digital media excellence.
Presented as one of the AOP Awards' Grand Prix categories, the award recognises publishers that combine editorial excellence, audience engagement, innovation and commercial success.
Previous winners and finalists have included some of the most ambitious and respected digital media businesses in the country.
For SoPublishing, the Gloucestershire company behind SoGlos, the award represents recognition at the highest level of the UK digital media industry.
For the wider local journalism sector, it provides a powerful reminder that independent and local publishers can compete, innovate and thrive, while remaining deeply connected to the communities they serve.
Judges praised SoPublishing for its commitment to local journalism, stating: 'This entry demonstrated excellence in local journalism, investing in their content to serve local communities and setting a high standard for independent small publishers.'
The recognition comes at a time when many local media organisations are facing significant commercial pressures, making independent success stories increasingly rare within the sector.
For SoPublishing chief executive Michelle Fyrne, the significance of the award extends far beyond SoPublishing itself.
Michelle said: 'Winning the Small Digital Publisher of the Year award is an extraordinary honour for our team and a powerful endorsement of independent regional publishing.
'For too long, the dominant narrative around local media has been one of decline. We believe this award demonstrates that there is another future available – one built on trusted brands, meaningful audience relationships, innovation and long-term stewardship.
'At SoPublishing, we're proving that independent media businesses can be both impactful and commercially sustainable. This recognition isn't just important for us as a company, it's important for everyone who believes local journalism and regional publishing still have a vital role to play in the UK's future.
'We're proud to be showing that ambitious, community-rooted publishers can compete with the very best in the media industry while remaining independent, profitable and focused on serving the places they call home.'
Founded in Gloucestershire in 2007, SoPublishing was launched with the mission to 'revolutionise local media' and has spent almost 20 years building a sustainable independent media business centred on trusted journalism, highly engaged audiences, long-term partnerships and diversified revenue streams. Today, its flagship publication SoGlos is recognised as one of the UK's leading independent local media brands.
SoPublishing managing director James Fyrne said the award reflected years of work building a business capable of competing at the highest level without losing sight of the community it serves.
James said: 'What makes this award particularly meaningful is that it recognises every part of the business.
'Our team has worked incredibly hard to build a publishing company that combines editorial excellence, commercial strength and genuine audience value. We've never believed regional publishers should think small and this award shows that local media brands can be every bit as innovative, ambitious and effective as their national counterparts.
'The challenges facing the media industry are well documented, but so are the opportunities. Independent publishers have the ability to move quickly, stay close to their audiences and create titles that genuinely matter to communities.
'We're honoured that the judges have recognised the progress we've made and excited about what this means for the future of SoPublishing and local publishing more broadly.'
The AOP Awards, often described as the 'Oscars of digital publishing', celebrated their 24th year in 2026, recognising the individuals, teams and organisations driving growth and innovation across the sector.
This year's awards featured 26 category winners, judged by a panel of media experts led by co-chairs Jacqui Merrington, executive editor at The Independent, and Chris Cannon, managing director at TechFinitive.
Speaking after the awards, the Association of Online Publishers managing director, Richard Reeves, said: 'The 2026 AOP Awards highlighted the resilience of our industry and our ability to harness the challenges we face to spark extraordinary innovation.
'The variety of winners and highly commended entries is something to be proud of, and I'm thrilled we continue to be able to celebrate the people, teams and businesses powering our industry.'
For SoPublishing, the award represents recognition of nearly two decades spent building an independent media business in Gloucestershire. For local journalism, more widely, it offers something equally important: a reminder that independent publishers have the power to shape communities, build sustainable businesses and compete with the very best in the industry.
For more information, and to see all of AOP's 2026 winners, visit ukaop.org/2026-winners.
