Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced up to £12 million over two years to strengthen local journalism, arguing that trusted reporting is essential for holding power to account, tackling misinformation and giving communities a stronger voice.
Writing in the Manchester Evening News, Burnham said too much power in the country has flowed towards Westminster and away from the places where people live their lives. He said the government is putting power and resources back into the hands of communities, but that greater local power must come with local accountability.
Why local journalism matters
Burnham said local reporters are the people sitting in council chambers, courts and planning meetings, asking the questions that need to be asked. He said they shine a light on decisions made in people's name and give communities a voice.
He highlighted the role of local journalism at moments when communities are most vulnerable, pointing to the aftermath of Southport and, more recently, Belfast, when trusted reporters challenged lies and misinformation being spread online.
Burnham also referenced his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, when the Manchester Evening News campaigned for free bus travel for homeless children living in temporary accommodation. He said the paper did not just report what was wrong, but brought people together to get behind the change that was needed.
Concern over 'news deserts'
Burnham said access to good local journalism is becoming increasingly unequal. He noted that 95 per cent of adults access local news, but the market alone will not sustain it everywhere. Up to 37 local authority districts now have no dedicated outlet of their own, leaving as many as 4.4 million people in local "news deserts", disproportionately in some of the most deprived urban communities.
He said the same principle that where you live should not determine the opportunities you get also applies to information, and that people in every part of the country deserve trusted local news and scrutiny of those in power.
The Local News Fund
Through the Local Media Action Plan, the new Local News Fund will provide up to £12 million over two years. This year, local newspapers, websites and independent television and radio stations in England and Wales have been able to bid for up to £125,000 to invest in their future, whether that is new technology, multimedia journalism, reaching younger audiences or finding new ways to bring in revenue.
Up to £275,000 has also been made available for projects that strengthen the wider industry. In the second year, £1 million will help communities bring local journalism back where it has disappeared, whether by reviving a dormant title, expanding a neighbouring publication or establishing a community-owned outlet.
Burnham said devolution cannot simply mean moving power from one set of politicians to another, and that people need to know what is being done in their name. He said the government will work to ensure trusted local journalism remains at the heart of communities across the country.
