Alexandra Topping’s analysis (Collapse of local media leaves us all in the dark, 2 February) presents a one-sided view of a sector that is contributing an immense amount of good to our democratic society.
Local news media organisations reach huge audiences through print and digital platforms – 42 million people every month – and their thousands of journalists hold power to account daily by covering public institutions such as courts and councils on behalf of communities across the UK. They unearth stories that would otherwise never see the light of day, and campaign on a variety of local causes.
The sector is facing its fair share of challenges, but it is still completely committed to providing readers with the core product of trusted journalism across a multitude of platforms they want to access it. For the sake of our democracy, we need to support our trusted local media organisations and create the right conditions for them to thrive.
Owen Meredith
Chief executive, News Media Association
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