Support local newspapers call

Unite print worker Tom Murphy seconded an NUJ motion at the TUC conference yesterday (September 13), calling for support for local newspapers.

In his speech, Murphy highlighted the need for support not just in England but also in Wales and Scotland, and he welcomed support from the London Assembly in regard to local newspapers in the London area.

“Over the past 20 years we have seen the demise of many local evening and weekly newspapers with the big provincial newspaper groups merging titles or, worse still, closing them down and creating editorial hubs where our colleagues from the NUJ are required to produce copy and stories for a whole range of newspapers in one area rather than the bespoke journalism that we enjoyed for many, many years,” Murphy said.

He noted the demise of newspaper printing works in localities.

“Local newspapers are now printed at large sites with distribution being done locally,” he explained. “This has affected many of my members who worked in the provincial press and were dedicated to its success.”

“As we all know, we can’t turn the clock back and the internet and instant news – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – is now the norm, not just for national titles who have now gone ‘digital first’, but for many local titles where the printed edition is little more than a whole series of edited press releases, sometimes bearing no relation to the locality or the region,” Murphy added.

“Local weekly and evening newspapers used to be at the heart of the community. They carried real local news, local political issues, details of important council and political meetings, as well as information on entertainment and events that were of real value to the community.

“They also provided an opportunity for debate and discussion. And let’s not forget that many local newspapers were responsible for uncovering wrongdoing and the misuse of power.

Murphy urged Congress to support local newspapers as they form “the heart of the community” and report on “real issues that affect ordinary people”.

Murphy concluded by supporting the NUJ’s call for the General Council to support a call for a government inquiry into the needs of the local newspaper industry.