Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Seventh Report - Sustainability of local journalism
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
HC 153
Published 25 January 2023
Recommendations
3
Acknowledged
Para 44
The Government’s response to the Cairncross Review recommendation to set up an innovation fund for...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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 evaluation, as well as feedback from the local press and other interested stakeholders.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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5
Acknowledged
Para 56
We recognise that consolidation within the local news industry has ensured the survival of titles...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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 approach to issues and take action as appropriate.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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8
Acknowledged
Para 73
We echo the concern expressed by colleagues across the House and beyond about the BBC’s...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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9
Acknowledged
We are glad that the Government appears to be expediting the introduction of the Digital...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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 businesses who rely on them, including press publishers, and will consider whether the firm has substantial and entrenched market power and holds a position of strategic significance in respect of one or more digital activities.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Conclusions (2)
1
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 35
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 Summary
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.