CULTURE Secretary Jeremy Wright is urging people to support local journalism.
Mr Wright spoke out as the Cairncross Review into the future of the press painted a vivid picture of the challenges facing high-quality journalism in the UK.
He said: “There’s never been more ways to access the news but newspapers – accountable, properly researched journalism, paid for by the cover price and the adverts opposite the story – are under immense pressure.
“The Cairncross Review makes clear that one type of news we cannot do without is public interest journalism – and that is exactly what this paper delivers on a weekly basis.
“Journalism is unique because its decline wouldn’t just have financial implications for the companies involved, it would have serious democratic costs too.”
Mr Wright has pledged to “carefully consider” the Review’s recommendations, looking at ways to nurture quality local reporting and support the industry’s transition from print to digital.
He added: “I believe wholeheartedly that journalism should be accessible to as many people as possible and that the press industry can overcome its challenges – but everyone needs to play their part in ensuring the press has a sustainable future. That includes local people supporting their local paper too.”
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