Local Journalism 2024-01-11
2024-01-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Local media faces challenges to sustainability. The Evening Chronicle has experienced significant staff cuts over two years.
What steps her Department is taking to support local journalism? Low pay and job insecurity are rife in local journalism. My constituents get less local news, emergency incident coverage, and sports team coverage due to staffing reductions at the Evening Chronicle. What further steps will the Minister take to address career retention issues?
We are exploring options through our digital markets legislation and mid-term charter review. We met with Reach and other groups, looked at VAT zero rating, rates relief, and encourage the BBC's local democracy reporting service.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures to address career retention issues in journalism
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Local media faces challenges to sustainability. The Evening Chronicle has experienced significant staff cuts over two years.
Low pay and job insecurity are rife in local journalism. My constituents get less local news, emergency incident coverage, and sports team coverage due to staffing reductions at the Evening Chronicle. What further steps will the Minister take to address career retention issues?
We are considering various options including ad spend, VAT zero rating, and rates relief. We also encourage the BBC's local democracy reporting service.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures to address career retention issues in journalism
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government spends a large amount of money on ads but may overlook local print media in favour of online platforms. Many people rely on print for news and information.
What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the Government's policy on placing adverts supports the interests of both our press and the public? The Barnsley Chronicle, like many other papers, struggles with digital access issues among readers. How will this be addressed?
The DCMS is in talks with the Cabinet Office about ad spend during the pandemic, when large amounts were spent on local newspapers. The Government recognizes the importance of older readership and audience reach.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures to support local print media for government ads
Response accuracy