FUTURE OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL MEDIA

That this House notes with concern the difficulties being experienced by local and regional media operators, particularly following the collapse of advertising revenues as a consequence of the economic downturn; recognises the threat this poses to the provision of good quality local news and current affairs reporting through regional television, radio stations and local newspapers; and urges the Government to review product placement to help commercial operators and also look to top-slice funds currently given to the BBC into independent news outlets in order that healthy competition is maintained in the provision of news, current affairs and local information.