Government backs campaign to protect local journalism

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 00:19 · Archive

The government is launching a Journalism Matters campaign to support local news outlets as a vital part of national infrastructure.

The government is backing a Journalism Matters campaign to protect local news outlets. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cited the benefits that independent journalism delivers for society and its critical importance to the devolution agenda, stating that his government will work to ensure trusted local journalism remains at the heart of communities.

Local reporters play a crucial role in democracy by sitting in council chambers, courts and planning meetings to ask necessary questions. They shine a light on decisions made in people's names and give communities a voice. Beyond accountability, trusted local journalism can bring people together and separate fact from fiction during moments of vulnerability. Examples cited include Southport and Belfast, where reporters challenged misinformation being spread online. The Manchester Evening News's campaign for free bus travel for homeless children showed how local journalism can drive real change.

Yet access to good local journalism is becoming increasingly unequal across the country. Ninety-five per cent of adults access local news, but the market alone will not sustain it everywhere. The campaign aims to encourage the government to create conditions that strengthen the media industry, starting with digital markets and creating an ecosystem that can support and maintain a plural and diverse range of media outlets.

How it is being reported

• 'The Government must act to protect trusted journalism'"Without journalism, we’ll lose our ability to understand the world around us. That is not an acceptable future for a modern day democracy such as ours."PlymouthLive · 2 Nov, 00:01
• Why protecting trusted local news titles like DevonLive matters"My government will work to ensure trusted local journalism remains at the heart of communities"DevonLive · 2 Nov, 00:01
• Why protecting trusted local news titles like The Herald matters"My government will work to ensure trusted local journalism remains at the heart of communities"PlymouthLive · 2 Nov, 00:01

In this story: Andy Burnham · Prime Minister · Manchester Evening News · Greater Manchester · Southport · Belfast · Westminster · UNESCO

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