Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Launch of the Local Media Strategy

17 March 2026 · Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Proposed by Lisa Nandy Lab Wigan

Culture, Media & Sport

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Local Media Strategy 'Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan' is launched to support local journalism.
  • The first year of the Local News Fund will provide 6 million for local journalism sustainability.
  • Annual monitoring of the strategy's progress is planned.

Issue summary

The statement discusses the launch of the Local Media Strategy 'Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan' to support local journalism's sustainability.

Action requested

The plan includes a multiyear Local News Fund of £6 million in the first year, an increase in DCMS community radio funding, and various initiatives to reach younger audiences and ensure public interest news. It also involves monitoring progress annually.

Key facts

  • The Local Media Action Plan aims to support local journalism's sustainability.
  • A multiyear Local News Fund of £6 million is launched for the first year (up to a further £6 million in the second).
  • DCMS community radio funding will increase to £1 million per year.
  • An Inspiring the Future campaign will start in the North West.
  • The BBC Charter Review process aims to support local media diversity.
  • A best-practice framework for engagement between journalists and public services is established through a Regional Media Forum.
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