Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson has spoken in Parliament to highlight the importance of local media in protecting and promoting democracy in the UK.
Speaking in Westminter Hall in his shadow role for Culture, Media and Sport on Wednesday, Mr Robertson praised the example of the Isle of Wight as “a rare example of a very vibrant local press” in contrast to local news “deserts” elsewhere in the UK and highlighted that local media outlets are, “the place you go to for the things that matter.”
Members from across Parliament spoke of the risks posed by local newspaper closures, falling advertising revenue, corporate consolidation by big companies and the shift to online.
Mr Robertson said that online innovation, and commitment to local content could strengthen independent outlets that took advantage of opportunities, and used the award-winning Island Echo as an example:
“I should say, however, chair, that the migration to online should not be seen entirely as incompatible with vibrant local media. Indeed, Island Echo on the Isle of Wight established in 2012, and is entirely online, is a successful and highly relied upon source of local news for residents on the Isle of Wight, making full use of digital opportunities, including updates on phone and of course, tying in with some of those big social media giants, like Facebook.”
Mr Robertson acknowledged the BBC’s role in public service journalism, while calling on Government to examine how the broadcaster can support rather than compete with local independents.
He said that The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) was set up 8 years ago and is paid for out of the license fee – an example of support for local news reporting.
I well remember running into young Toogood at the 2015 General Election count when that notorious Councillor, White something, who ended up clearing off to the mainland, was very, very drunk.
You have come a long way Dazza; further than the lefty blog & Candepress.
I have to agree, Island Echo do a great job.
Democracy is what out parents and their parents
fought for.