MP SUPPORT FOR LOCAL JOURNALISM

12.00.00am GMT Mon 23rd Mar 2009

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has signed a cross-party motion in Westminster calling for Government action to support local journalism.

Mrs Burt, who also spoke in a recent Westminster Hall debate on the importance of weekly newspapers to community news and local democracy, said she was worried that the loss of so many jobs for 'local newshounds' would damage the service that weekly titles provide.

"Weekly newspapers play a vital role in providing local news to our communities," said Lorely. "Many people rely on them to find out what is happening in the area they live or what the council is doing in their name."

"I am very concerned about the trend to close down newspaper offices in high streets and transfer the production to high tech regional centres. This has gone hand in glove with a significant reduction in reporting staff and less time spent on the patch by local journalists.

"Government should tailor any future financial or regulatory help for the newspaper industry to ensuring that media companies invest in high quality local journalism rather than more regional led news.

"Without the continued presence of court, council and community reporters, the very fabric of local democracy would be undermined."