The Moonraker has been shortlisted for a prize at a prestigious national journalism awards event

The Moonraker has been supported by at least 500 paying subscribers at all times since the end of August 2024, and boasts an industry-whopping monthly retention rate of 95 per cent.

The Future of Media Awards, organised by industry publication the Press Gazette, features categories which span the length and breadth of the media in the UK.

Major publishers, including News UK, The Guardian, Reach, The Athletic, Sky News, MailOnline, The Times and The Financial Times, are among those to be shortlisted in other categories.

The winners will be announced at an event in London on September 11.

The Moonraker editor Sam Morshead said: "This is a really wonderful way to bring our first year to an end.

"The response of the Swindon Town community to the arrival of The Moonraker has been remarkable, and quite touching.

"I am determined that there is a future for reader-first, community-focused, easy-reading regional media experiences in a digital ecosystem that has become overloaded with content published for content's sake.

"The loyalty of The Moonraker's members over the past 12 months has given me even more conviction in that respect, and to be nominated among established players in the regional media indicates we are on the right track.

"Thank you to everyone who has backed the site. Here's to a few more positive stories in 2025/26."

The Moonraker is the flagship concept site for CounterPress, a platform which empowers regional journalists to build, manage, promote and monetise their own media brands.

CounterPress removes traditional publishing overheads, giving journalists and content creators access to expert guidance to help create a broad brand across editorial, design, marketing and digital development.

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