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Local Media
03 December 2025
Lead MP
Peter Fortune
Bromley and Biggin Hill
Con
Responding Minister
Chris Philp
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Word Count: 14442
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
Peter Fortune raised concerns about local media in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should support local journalists by ensuring social media companies do not undercut their business model and explore opportunities through the BBC charter to address issues affecting local papers.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Local media in the UK attracts 42 million readers each week, serving as a trusted source of information. However, traditional models relying on print and advertising revenue are becoming financially unsustainable. The digital age has posed significant challenges to local journalism.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
According to the Press Gazette, nearly 300 local papers have closed since 2005. Local papers provide reliable information amid misinformation online. Alison urged the Minister to consider the impact on valued titles of proposed changes to reporting notices.
Anna Sabine
LD
Frome and East Somerset
Local news faces challenges due to audience migration, revenue loss, competition from online intermediaries, and disengagement. Anna highlighted the need for a genuine ‘levelling of the playing field’ for local publishers.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
In Melksham and Devizes, the local newspaper is well-regarded but faces challenges. The hon. Member suggests that local authorities should share ad spend among independent news outlets and implement changes recommended in the 2023 Sustainability of Local Journalism report.
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Asked for support to ensure income streams from local authority statutory notices continue so thriving local titles like the Bridlington Echo can survive into the future.
Chris Kane
Lab
Stirling and Strathallan
Recalled his experience working at Central FM in Stirling from 1991 to 2001, reflecting on the golden days of Scottish local radio shaped by stations like Central, Radio Forth and Radio Clyde. Highlighted the importance of local news for community engagement.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
In Epping Forest, local media like the Epping Forest Guardian and Everything Epping Forest provide invaluable coverage for residents. The sector needs support from the Government to sustain community services.
West Dorset
Asked about the impact of constant consolidation of local newspapers into large news corporations, Edward agreed that recognising the needs of local people is equally important.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
The Farnham Herald is part of the Tindle group, which includes several other local papers in Surrey. He supports the idea that local newspapers are essential for delivering real journalism to communities.
Ian Murray
SNP
Carrick, Cumbria
Welcomed the debate and emphasised the importance of local journalism in fostering social benefits, empowering communities, and reflecting issues that matter to people. Stressed the importance of local journalism in countering disinformation and fostering social cohesion, highlighting financial challenges faced by local media. Discussed the Government's preparation for publishing reports on AI copyright and impact assessments by December. Mentioned meetings with representatives of both AI and creative sectors to consider all options. Emphasized dedication to protecting world-class creative industries.
Halesowen and Rowley Regis
Emphasized the role of diversification and innovation in sustaining local media, citing V2 Radio's active engagement with social media platforms and its contributions to community campaigns. Noted that removing £32 million in advertising revenue could severely impact local media outlets struggling with financial challenges.
Jim McMahon
Lab/Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Discussed the decline in print news consumption from 59% to 12%, highlighting the challenges faced by local media outlets like Oldham Evening Chronicle and The Oldham Times. Emphasised the importance of local reporters for deep-rooted reporting and acknowledged the work of over 165 BBC-funded local democracy reporters. Supported the Minister's intentions but argued for a modern approach to funding sustainable local press, criticising tech giants for profiting from free content.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Local newspapers play a crucial role in holding public representatives accountable and providing essential information for communities. Jim highlights the importance of maintaining strong relationships with local editors to ensure stories about local issues are covered.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Discussed the importance of local journalism in a democratic society, highlighting challenges faced by independent media due to corporate consolidation and declining revenue models.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Noted that 300 local papers have ceased publication since 2005, leading to a situation where 5.4 million people live in areas without local press. Cited concerns over monopolistic control by large publishers and the need for stricter regulation. Emphasised the sense of urgency in supporting local media due to its role in countering misinformation and providing factual information during times of social unrest.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Commends the work of local journalists like Lynne and Steve Nicholls from Moorsholm, who produced the Coastal View & Moor News for 14 years. Highlights the importance of local journalism in maintaining democratic traditions and addressing modern challenges such as misinformation.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
The Bedford Independent and Times & Citizen fear that proposals in the national licensing policy framework will limit their ability to inform the public. Mohammad argues that reform must not come at the expense of local journalism, which is vital for informed communities.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Agreed that Kevin Sinfield's work promoting awareness of motor neurone disease through various media platforms is heartwarming and shows the power of media when harnessed properly.
Peter Fortune
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
Called for a reset in the relationship between local news and BBC, questioned the impact of Government advertising campaigns on print and digital news, emphasised the importance of trusted media sources that are from and for the community. Asked the Minister to support local journalism by reflecting lived experiences and providing clarity and trust to communities.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
The hon. Member supports inclusive, authentic media essential for community accountability and engagement. She notes that local newspapers like The Press in York provide substantial records of community events but face challenges due to the shift from print to digital.
Salford and Eccles
Asked if the Minister would meet the National Union of Journalists to consult on the local media strategy.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Local media is crucial, as evidenced by Bournemouth’s Daily Echo dating back to 1900 and recent new media ventures such as Pier Journal and Bournemouth One. Local newspapers like the Farnham Herald keep politicians accountable.
Government Response
Chris Philp
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Government Response
Welcomed the delivery of commitments to ensure journalists can operate free from harassment and abuse. Mentioned the work of the National Police Chiefs’ Council confirming that each police force now has an appointed single point of contact for journalists. Stated commitment to a plural, trustworthy and independent media landscape through the local media strategy.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.