Prime Minister backs Journalism Matters campaign

Summarised from 4 outlets · 12 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 10:34 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has endorsed the Journalism Matters campaign, run by the News Media Association from 2 to 8 November.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has backed the Journalism Matters campaign, calling journalism part of the national infrastructure of a healthy democracy. The campaign, coordinated by the News Media Association, runs from 2 to 8 November. Mr Burnham said journalism 'holds power to account, strengthens our resilience and connects people to the places they call home'. He stressed the importance of local journalism to the Government's devolution plans, saying that returning power to communities must go hand in hand with local accountability. Local reporters, he said, sit 'in council chambers, courts and planning meetings, asking the questions that need to be asked' and 'give communities a voice'.

Mr Burnham highlighted journalism's role during crises. 'At moments when communities are at their most vulnerable, good local journalism can bring people together and separate fact from fiction,' he said. He cited the aftermath of the Southport incident and recent events in Belfast as examples when 'trusted reporters challenged lies and misinformation being spread online'. As Mayor of Greater Manchester, he observed how the Manchester Evening News campaigned for free bus travel for homeless children in temporary accommodation, bringing people together for change.

The outlets note that ninety-five per cent of adults access local news. However, Mr Burnham stated that 'the market alone will not sustain it everywhere', pointing to increasingly unequal access to good local journalism. A UNESCO global report found that countries with a strong, independent press enjoy significant economic and security benefits. Mr Burnham said the government has much it can do to strengthen conditions for the industry and must 'use this opportunity to affect real change'. The News Media Association's chief executive Theo Bamber welcomed Mr Burnham's support but called for practical action.

How it is being reported

• Why the UK government must act to protect trusted local journalismJournalism Matters highlights Andy Burnham’s call to protect independent and local news, fair digital markets, and journalism’s role in democracy.Romsey Advertiser · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Why the UK government must act to protect trusted local journalismJournalism Matters highlights Andy Burnham’s call to protect independent and local news, fair digital markets, and journalism’s role in democracy.Southern Daily Echo · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Why the UK government must act to protect trusted local journalismJournalism Matters highlights Andy Burnham’s call to protect independent and local news, fair digital markets, and journalism’s role in democracy.Basingstoke Gazette · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Why the UK government must act to protect trusted local journalismJournalism Matters highlights Andy Burnham’s call to protect independent and local news, fair digital markets, and journalism’s role in democracy.Andover Advertiser · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Andy Burnham - 'Journalism is a vital part of our national infrastructure'Prime Minister Andy Burnham explains that with greater local power must come local accountability. And that is why local journalism matters.Romsey Advertiser · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Andy Burnham - 'Journalism is a vital part of our national infrastructure'Prime Minister Andy Burnham explains that with greater local power must come local accountability. And that is why local journalism matters.Southern Daily Echo · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Andy Burnham hails local news as 'critical' as PM backs Journalism Matters campaignAndy Burnham backs Journalism Matters, calling journalism a vital national infrastructure and local news essential for democracy and accountability.Romsey Advertiser · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Andy Burnham - 'Journalism is a vital part of our national infrastructure'Prime Minister Andy Burnham explains that with greater local power must come local accountability. And that is why local journalism matters.Basingstoke Gazette · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Andy Burnham - 'Journalism is a vital part of our national infrastructure'Prime Minister Andy Burnham explains that with greater local power must come local accountability. And that is why local journalism matters.Andover Advertiser · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Andy Burnham hails local news as 'critical' as PM backs Journalism Matters campaignAndy Burnham backs Journalism Matters, calling journalism a vital national infrastructure and local news essential for democracy and accountability.Southern Daily Echo · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Andy Burnham hails local news as 'critical' as PM backs Journalism Matters campaignAndy Burnham backs Journalism Matters, calling journalism a vital national infrastructure and local news essential for democracy and accountability.Basingstoke Gazette · 2 Nov, 10:03
• Andy Burnham hails local news as 'critical' as PM backs Journalism Matters campaignAndy Burnham backs Journalism Matters, calling journalism a vital national infrastructure and local news essential for democracy and accountability.Andover Advertiser · 2 Nov, 10:03

In this story: Andy Burnham · News Media Association · Theo Bamber · UNESCO · Manchester Evening News · Manchester · Southport · Belfast

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