Recommendations & Conclusions
9 items
1
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Sustainability of loca…
Acknowledged
Despite the collapse in revenues and the immense challenges facing those titles remaining in the market, there are many encouraging examples of innovation by local news publishers. These demonstrate that, provided the right support is given, the sector can be revived and can have a sustainable future. (Paragraph 24) Support …
Government response. The government welcomes the BBC’s commitment to continue to support the LDRS until at least 2027, and makes clear its support for the scheme. Operational decisions are for the BBC to make.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Sustainability of loca…
Acknowledged
The LDRS has had a positive impact on local journalism by enabling important local news stories to get coverage where otherwise they might not. But more could be done to expand the service across different media platforms and to give access to a wider range of news providers. The BBC …
Government response. The government welcomes the BBC's commitment to support the LDRS until at least 2027 and would support efforts by the BBC to grow the scheme, but operational decisions are for the BBC to make.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
3
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Sustainability of loca…
Acknowledged
The Government’s response to the Cairncross Review recommendation to set up an innovation fund for public interest news was welcome. But the Future News Pilot Fund was neither substantial nor long-term enough to make a significant difference, and there has been no follow up. The Government should build upon the …
Government response. The government continues to explore options for additional fiscal measures to support the sector, while mindful of the current financial climate. Any further funding would build on the model set by the Future News Fund and take into account Nesta’s …
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
4
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Sustainability of loca…
Rejected
Statutory notices in local newspapers remain an important means of keeping the public informed and a vital revenue stream for many local news publishers. But the criteria used by some councils to determine where notices are published appear to be outdated. We recommend that the Government review existing rules and …
Government response. The government does not intend to conduct a review of rules and practices for placing statutory notices in local newspapers, but is aware of concerns about the audience reach of these notices and the desire for greater digitalisation. The government …
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
5
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Sustainability of loca…
Acknowledged
We recognise that consolidation within the local news industry has ensured the survival of titles that otherwise would have closed. But we are concerned that some of the approaches of the largest publishers appear to be compromising the quality the local journalism produced by their titles. We are also concerned …
Government response. The government discussed the Committee’s recommendation with the Charity Commission and notes that there is limited evidence of widespread appetite among publishers for seeking charitable status. The Charity Commission will continue to monitor this area in line with its usual …
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
6
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Sustainability of loca…
Accepted
Access to more philanthropic funding could help ensure the sustainability of the local news sector. Many, though not all, local news publishers would benefit from charitable status, but this is currently very difficult for news organisations to achieve. We recommend that the Government, in its response to us, indicates what …
Government response. The government agrees with the Review’s conclusions as to the vital local service that the community radio sector provides, and are committed to supporting its continued growth. Uplifts have been applied to the Community Radio Fund in each of the …
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
7
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Sustainability of loca…
Deferred
We welcome the Government’s indication that there will be support for local TV in the forthcoming Media Bill and are glad that provisions concerning radio now also look to be included. We also welcome the Minister’s indication that the Community Radio Fund (CRF) will be increased to reflect the growth …
Government response. While the government agrees on the vital local service that community radio provides, the wider economic context did not provide scope for an increase to the Community Radio Fund in the most recent Spending Review, but this will be considered …
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
8
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Sustainability of loca…
Acknowledged
We echo the concern expressed by colleagues across the House and beyond about the BBC’s proposed changes to local radio provision. Sharing content across larger areas and regions risks undermining the sense of localness that has, until now, made BBC local radio distinct. The BBC’s plans to direct more resources …
Government response. The government acknowledges the concerns and states they will continue to explore ways for the BBC to best serve its audiences as part of a collective where appropriate, but does not commit to reconsidering the BBC's plans.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
9
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Sustainability of loca…
Acknowledged
We are glad that the Government appears to be expediting the introduction of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill, which will be vital to redressing the unbalanced relationship between the large digital platforms and local news publishers (among many others). It is important that any code of conduct and …
Government response. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill was introduced to Parliament on Tuesday 25 April 2023, giving new powers to the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) in the CMA to help rebalance the relationship between major platforms and the consumers and …
Department for Culture, Media and Sport