Book Description

The Committee decided to examine the local media landscape in the UK as it was very much aware of the challenges facing local and regional newspapers, including the impact of the recession and structural changes within the industry, which have resulted in a significant downturn in advertising revenues, a growing number of job cuts and newspaper title closures. These pressures have also had a serious impact on local commercial radio stations and regional television. Traditional media platforms also face the reality of changing consumer behaviour with people increasingly using the internet as their source of information. The report examines the following issues: the impact on local media of recent and future developments in digital convergence, media technology and changing consumer behaviour; the impact of newspaper closures on independent local journalism and access to local information; how to fund quality local journalism; the appropriateness and effectiveness of print and electronic publishing initiatives undertaken directly by public sector bodies at the local level; the role and effects of search engines and online content aggregators on local media; the future of local radio and television news; the desirability of changes to the regulatory framework for print and electronic local media, including cross-media ownership and merger regulations; the opportunities and implications of BBC partnerships with local media; the extent of plurality required in local media markets; incentives for investment in local content; opportunities for 'hyper-local' media services.