Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette

I think we can all agree that 2020 hasn’t been the best of years for all of us but there’s never a dull moment either.

So much has been happening locally that it’s been hard to keep on top of it all.

There are some great efforts on social media by local groups to keep people informed about where they can get goods and services during lockdown.

However, according to broadcast regular Ofcom, 33% of the UK do not use the internet for news and information.

So the role that is being fulfilled by traditional media – newspapers such as the Brentwood Gazette, TV and of course, radio – has been more important than ever.

We’ve partnered up with Brentwood Borough Council to broadcast regular news and also promote local businesses within the borough.

We’ve always included major news stories that affect our listeners, but we now have a regular weekly slot on Fridays at 11.30am where a top council officer or member talks on air about important current events, including the Brentwood Centre closure and services during lockdown.

Regular contributors now include Chris Hossack, the leader of the council, and Jonathan Stephenson, the council’s Chief Executive Officer.

Getting the information “straight from the horse’s mouth” is a great way to avoid all the disinformation that spreads on Facebook and Twitter, deliberately or otherwise.

You can hear our council interviews every Friday on Michelle Ward’s popular “Eat My Brunch” show.

And keep an ear out on air during the week and on our website www.phoenixfm.com for features about businesses in Brentwood, Shenfield, Ingatestone and the rest of the borough too.

Photo: Michelle Ward and Chris Hossack from May 2019.