Government Unveils £12 Million Fund to Revitalise Local News and Tackle News Deserts
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced a comprehensive local media strategy, including a £12 million fund aimed at supporting local news outlets and addressing the growing issue of "news deserts" across the United Kingdom. The strategy was unveiled on Tuesday ahead of a speech at the Society of Editors' conference in central London.
Addressing a Narrow Media Landscape
In her speech, Ms Nandy will argue that the existing media debate has become "too narrow," emphasising the historical role of local media as a vital pathway for new voices to enter journalism—a role that has significantly declined in recent years. She will highlight that local media is not merely a luxury but an essential component for a cohesive society, stating that the government's approach aims to broaden and enrich public discourse.
The new fund, managed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will provide grants over the next two years to local media outlets operating in print, online, radio, or television. These grants are designed to enhance financial sustainability and facilitate the transition to digital business models, with the goal of fostering innovation and infrastructure development.
Combating News Deserts in Deprived Areas
Evidence cited by the DCMS reveals a concerning trend: up to 37 local authority districts currently lack any dedicated print, online, TV, or radio outlets specifically covering their areas. This situation has created local "news deserts" that impact as many as 4.4 million Britons, with a disproportionate concentration in the most deprived urban regions. The strategy seeks to mitigate this by almost tripling funding for community radio and improving access to high-quality journalism for young people, thereby encouraging careers in the field.
Ms Nandy will assert, "This strategy will provide unprecedented funding for local media outlets to invest in innovation and infrastructure, harnessing the power of local and national government. Because local media was and always has been a ladder of opportunity to help new voices break into journalism. Our debate is too narrow and too small. We will change that."
Pilot Projects and Industry Support
As part of the initiative, a pilot programme will be launched in the west of England to enhance reporting on public services. This will involve a new regional media forum exploring ways to strengthen relationships between journalists and local service providers. Additionally, the government will conduct a review of statutory notices published in local newspapers, aiming to improve transparency and engagement.
Industry leaders have welcomed the strategy. Dawn Alford, chief executive of the Society of Editors, commented, "The Society of Editors welcomes the government's recognition of the importance of local media and the steps set out in this strategy to support innovation and encourage the next generation of journalists. A strong local media sector is essential to democratic society."
Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, added, "The Government's focus on the sustainability of local journalism and its importance to communities through the package of measures announced today are very welcome. We are particularly pleased to see a clear commitment to make better use of trusted local news environments for central government advertising, as well as a new £12 million fund to boost local news provision."
Future Commitments and Campaigns
The government has also pledged to "endeavour to make best use of local media outlets" in its advertising campaigns, recognising their reach to 77% of UK adults. A new campaign aimed at inspiring young people to pursue careers in local news media will be supported, further underscoring the strategy's long-term vision.
Ms Nandy concluded, "The strategy we publish today is the start—not the end point—and we recognise there is more to do. But it is the start of a new approach to local media, which nurtures it and places it directly at the heart of our government's support for our country. Because the future of news is local."
