Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Newspapers: Covid-19

Thursday 24 September 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government recognises the importance of local and regional newspapers during the pandemic, designating journalists as key workers and running a 35 million public information campaign.
  • The Minister has conversations with the News Media Association and other publishing organisations.
  • Local newspaper offices receive 1,500 business rates relief and additional support measures are being considered.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Local and independent newspapers have faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, with calls from trade bodies like the News Media Association for support.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support local, independent newspapers during the covid-19 outbreak. The Slough Express and the Slough Observer play a vital role in local democracy by informing residents reliably, but local journalism faces threats including business rates relief calls from the News Media Association that have not been addressed.

Answer from John Whittingdale

The Government recognise the importance of local and regional newspapers during the pandemic, designating journalists as key workers and running a £35 million public information campaign in over 600 titles. The Minister has had conversations with the News Media Association and other publishing organisations, extending £1,500 business rates relief for local newspaper offices, but continues to consider additional measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding when the Government will provide business rates relief or support was not addressed directly with a timeline or commitment.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Economy Local Government
Context

Local and independent newspapers, such as those in Slough, are vital to democracy but face threats including calls for business rates relief from organisations like the News Media Association.

Question

The two local newspapers in Slough play a critical role by informing residents reliably, yet they face challenges. The News Media Association has repeatedly called for business rates relief, and the National Union of Journalists proposes a detailed news recovery plan to ensure journalism's survival. Before more valued local newspapers are lost, when will the Government listen and support this sector?

Answer from John Whittingdale

Local newspapers in constituencies like Slough do excellent work. The Minister has conversations with organisations such as the News Media Association, providing £1,500 business rates relief for local newspaper offices and considering additional measures to support newspapers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about a timeline or detailed plan was not directly addressed; only general actions were mentioned without concrete details.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)