Crisis in local media
Communities need their local media, but all over Britain local papers are running into the ground. Titles and offices are closing as the newspaper chains slash and burn their way around the country.
It’s a crisis. But for journalists it can also be an opportunity — for new media to provide local news that really meets the interests of the community, rather than the business needs of the national groups.
Public service journalism in broadcasting — applauded by journalists and the union — could become a local media reality.
It does not have to make a huge amount of money and with the internet it does not have to cost much.
The NUJ has started to discuss the possibilities. It’s a discussion the whole union can get involved in.