LOCAL newspapers and websites – such as warrington-worldwide – have been praised by a local MP for their “vital role” in the community.
In Parliament Warrington South MP Helen Southworth (pictured) questioned top BBC bosses on proposals to expand local news services, amid fears that this could put local newspapers out of business.
Local newspapers, websites, magazines and media groups in the North West were concerned about the BBC plans to launch 65 local video-news websites around the country with a budget of £68 million.
Mrs Southworth asked Mark Thompson, the director general of the BBC, and Sir Michael Lyons, the chairman of the BBC Trust, how they would ensure the BBC “played fair.”
Sir Michael said if the market impact was so severe that it was stronger than the public value gain, the BBC would not go ahead.
Soon afterwards it was revealed that the Trust had refused permission for the local video as is would not improve services enough to justify the investment of funds or the negative impact on commercial media.
Mrs Southworth said: “Local newspapers and other media outlets play a vital role in our communities and I was concerned that the BBC’s plans, if they were given the go-ahead, could push many local newspapers out of business.
“I sought assurances from the BBC that they would be scrupulously fair in their decision making and I am very pleased that they have responded promptly.”
In praise of local news
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
