Communities are demanding more local news outlets be supported and saved from extinction.
That’s according to a report published by the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) and NewsNow, the UK’s independent news discovery platform. They also call for a new funding system to be put in place to help with the survival of local news to ensure that everyone knows what’s happening in the area around them. This new funding approach should be decided by local communities themselves rather than shareholders or politicians.
Jonathan Heawood, Executive Director of PINF, said: ‘Most local newspapers in the UK are owned by three large corporations, which have received millions of pounds in handouts from the government, big tech and the BBC. Local communities aren’t happy with the quality of local news that they’re getting in return. If we want to build a sustainable future for local news, we need to give local people a voice.’
With in news bulletins and reports, different news companies carry out vox pops which are known as the voice of the people. They are conducted by asking everybody the same question to collect and collate date as to how people feel about particular topics so they can share their experiences to see if they can help others about local issues. This way they will be able to help build a better running smoother society where people can get on better with each other as well as help and support each other with what ever needs they may have.
Over the past half year or so, the organisation has worked with a number of stakeholders in Bangor, Bristol, Folkestone, Glasgow, Manchester and Newry. With in each area, local people have different needs and issues to be dealt with depending on their personal and economic circumstances. This also helps them put together a local news plan to ensure that they cater for the needs of the majority of their target audience and avoid leaving anyone feeling isolated and left out. This way they will be able to build a better functioning society who can work together to resolve any issues that they may have.
The report recommends:
1) Local advertisers and government should allocate a proportion of their budget for outlets that align with the Local News Plans;
2) Funding for local news should be managed by independent local foundations;
3) More communities should develop Local News Plans to ensure local news represents their needs.
The production of local news plans was produced in partnership with News Now who also help to fund the project so that it runs smoothly and fulfils all the functions that it is meant to. This way people who live in a particular area will be able to get information about everything that is happening locally, nationally and internationally.
Sameer Padania said: ‘We’ve seen the challenges facing local communities across the UK, but we’ve also seen how those same communities want local news to be part of the solution. High-quality local news reflects people’s pride in their area, supports their high streets and businesses, spotlights community initiatives and builds a sense of belonging. Local news isn’t just an add-on – it’s an essential part of every local community.’
Jana Bartlett, of NewsNow, said: ‘We’re delighted to have worked with PINF on bringing together communities to discuss how they can work out for themselves what they want from local news and how best to support local providers. At NewsNow, we believe that sustainably funded public interest journalism is vital for the health of local democracy.’
If you’d like to find out more information about this topic and receive some information and statistics about how your local area fairs with regard to news issues, please visit:
https://www.publicinterestnews.org.uk/full-report
