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Megan Lucero (International, 2011), director of The Bureau Local at not-for-profit organisation The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, is one of five people to be shortlisted for the XCity Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to journalism.
Following her involvement in the successful investigation into doping at the Olympics, Lucero has kept busy with a number of hard-hitting projects.
This year, she has led her team in an on-going investigation into data that has revealed a number of county councils showing signs of financial crisis. This earned The Bureau Local a front page splash in The Times.
Noting the importance of investigative journalism, Lucero said: “I believe journalists are crucial in holding power to account and scrutinising government policy or people and what they are doing. This is a vital element of our democracy.”
“I think that what I do now is probably the most important work I’ve ever done in my career,” she added.
The XCity Award and £500 prize, established in 2011 to mark the 25th anniversary of XCity magazine, honours the achievements of a City journalism alumnus.
The four other alumni shortlisted for the award this year are Kaine Pieri (International, 2017), Sophie Barnes (Investigative, 2012), Ramita Navai (Broadcast, 2013) and Dolly Alderton (Magazine, 2010).
Lucero joined The Bureau of Investigative Journalism in January 2017 and oversees a team of four other reporters and a network of 650 members.
Having already paved her own career as a successful journalist, Lucero is now working on making local journalism “a staple of British news”. She aims to turn The Bureau Local into a “credible news outlet” that is respected and widely known.
She said: “We cannot just have centralised London news elements. We need to continue to support the local journalism stage because we believe local matters. Local lives, local community matters.
“I feel so privileged to have the job I do. I get to tell important stories, work with people from around the country and focus on building the future of news.”
However, she hasn’t forgotten her time at City and the effect it’s had on her career. Speaking about being nominated, Lucero said: “I’m thrilled. I started my journalism career at City so it’s an honour to be recognised.”
“City helped open doors for me. I met friends and contacts there who have been invaluable to my career,” she added.
#XCityAwards18 – Let us know what you think of our shortlist.
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