In recent years there has been an increase in the number of local newspapers in London, with 13 local newspaper titles launched.[2]
But with the rise of the internet, readership figures have fallen sharply.
Falling print readership and a decline in advertising income has led to a sharp fall in revenues. Local news groups are struggling to compete against Google and Facebook for local advertising revenues. And to reduce overheads, newspaper owners are restructuring and making staff cutbacks.
The London Assembly Economy Committee will tomorrow discuss local news provision in London, how it has changed over the past decade, what is driving the changes and what impact this will have on the future.
- What is the reaction to a serving politician being appointed as Editor of the Evening Standard? Could the appointment affect the neutrality and objectivity of news coverage in London?
- Are job cuts driving down standards of journalism across the industry?
- Is there a risk that local news will no longer be produced in local areas?
- What impact is this having on democratic accountability and investigative journalism?
The Committee will hear from:
- Ceri Gould, Editor-in-Chief, Trinity Mirror
- Michael Macfarlane, Head of BBC London & BBC South East, BBC London
- Laura Davison, National Organiser, National Union of Journalists
- Professor Angela Phillips, Goldsmiths University
- Martin Hoscik, Journalist and Commentator, MayorWatch
- Hannah Walker, Editor-in-Chief, London Weekly News
- Linda Quinn, Editor-in-Chief, Brixton Bugle
- Eric Gordon, Editor, Camden New Journal Group
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, 21 March from 10:00am in Committee Room 5 at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1).
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.
Follow us @LondonAssembly and take part in the meeting discussion using #AssemblyEconomy and #LocalNews
Notes to editors
- Full agenda papers.
- Press Gazette, ABC
- Fiona Twycross AM, Chair of the Economy Committee is available for interview. See contact details below.
- London Assembly Economy Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.