PM backs Journalism Matters campaign, calls news vital infrastructure
Summarised from 4 outlets · 11 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 10:17 · Archive
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has endorsed the Journalism Matters campaign, describing journalism as vital national infrastructure for democracy and accountability.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has backed the Journalism Matters campaign, which runs from 2 to 8 November and is coordinated by the News Media Association. He described journalism as part of the national infrastructure of a healthy democracy, saying it holds power to account, strengthens resilience and connects people to their communities.
Burnham said local reporters are essential to accountability. 'Local reporters are the people sitting in council chambers, courts and planning meetings, asking the questions that need to be asked,' he said. 'They shine a light on decisions made in people's name and give communities a voice.' He linked the campaign to the government's devolution agenda, arguing that returning power to communities must be accompanied by local accountability through journalism.
The Prime Minister highlighted journalism's broader social role beyond accountability. He said trusted local journalism brings communities together during crises and separates fact from fiction. He cited examples from after Southport and more recently in Belfast, where trusted reporters challenged lies and misinformation spread online. As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham said he saw journalism's power when the Manchester Evening News campaigned for free bus travel for homeless children in temporary accommodation.
Access to good local journalism is becoming increasingly unequal, Burnham noted. While 95 per cent of adults access local news, he said the market alone will not sustain it everywhere. A global report by UNESCO found that countries with a strong, independent press enjoy significant economic and security benefits.
News Media Association Chief Executive Theo Bamber welcomed Burnham's support but called for practical action. The campaign aims to highlight journalism's value to society and the role it plays in underpinning national infrastructure.
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.Whitehaven News · 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.Westmorland 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.News & Star · 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.Whitehaven News · 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.NW Evening Mail · 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.Westmorland 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.News & Star · 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.Whitehaven News · 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.Westmorland 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.NW Evening Mail · 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.News & Star · 2 Nov, 10:03
In this story: Andy Burnham · News Media Association · Theo Bamber · UNESCO · Manchester Evening News · Greater Manchester
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
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