The Staffordshire Signal CIC is a non-profit, community-led media platform built to champion Staffordshire, support local businesses, strengthen community connection and tell the stories of people, places and organisations that may otherwise be overlooked.

The Signal brings together a free print magazine, digital features, newsletters, events coverage, business visibility, community stories and developing video work through The Staffordshire Signal TV.

The model is funded by local businesses and the community it serves through advertising, sponsorship, print subscriptions, reader support, partnerships and community backing. Because The Signal is a CIC, that support is reinvested into trusted local journalism, public interest storytelling, opportunities for young people and the long-term future of Staffordshire media.

This approach gives local businesses and organisations a trusted platform to reach local audiences. It helps residents discover events, places, stories and opportunities across the county. It provides positive, useful coverage for culture, heritage, hospitality, education, business, voluntary groups and community life.

The Signal recognises that not everyone has equal access to digital journalism. Digital poverty, low income, age, isolation, lack of confidence online or limited access to devices can all disconnect people from local news and information. A free, high-quality print magazine helps people in low-income areas, older residents, digitally excluded communities and those who feel disconnected from online platforms to access journalism rooted in where they live.

Founder Jenna Goodwin, also known as The Red Haired Stokie, built a trusted regional audience through local history, writing, photography, video and community storytelling before creating The Staffordshire Signal. That trust is central to the community impact. People engage with The Signal because it feels rooted in Staffordshire.

The Staffordshire Signal TV is the next stage of that community work. The video arm will tell Staffordshire’s stories through interviews, short films, documentaries, event coverage and community-led video content. It will also create opportunities for students and young people to gain real experience in writing, research, interviewing, photography, filming and editing.

The Signal is officially supported by key organisations across Staffordshire’s civic, business and education landscape including Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, universities, councils, educational partners and place-making networks. Jenna is a We Are Staffordshire ambassador and represented Staffordshire at the House of Commons as part of a recent Staffordshire showcase.

The Staffordshire Signal CIC has entered the Skills for the Future, Business in the Community and Innovation Award categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.