JOBS IN LOCAL JOURNALISM

That this House recognises that local newspapers make an essential contribution to civic identity and democratic life in communities; notes that over one hundred local titles have ceased publication altogether since the recession of 2008, whilst many more have merged or reduced in frequency; expresses concern that around one in four local journalists are believed to have lost their jobs during this period; further notes that the quality of local news relies on locally-based journalists and editors able to report on public life in their particular geographical areas; regrets the decision of Newsquest management to transfer editorial production to a single hub in Newport, Wales which will transfer the production of news hundreds of miles away from sites in the North West and South London; supports members of the National Union of Journalists in taking action to defend jobs in local journalism; and calls on the Government to work with communities, union representatives and other stakeholders to implement a coherent strategy to protect jobs in quality local journalism.