The National Union of Journalists has welcomed the Government’s plan for a summit to discuss the future of regional media.
Junior culture minister Barbara Follett made the announcement during a debate in the House of Commons.
The idea had been put forward to culture secretary Andy Burnham by NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear, and members of the union’s parliamentary group, at a meeting yesterday afternoon.
Dear said: ‘The meeting with Andy Burnham was very constructive and I am delighted that our suggestion has been picked up so quickly.
‘Journalists on regional papers, TV, radio and websites are losing their jobs every day. Papers are closing, local offices are being boarded up.
‘The government summit must involve journalists, media owners, and community and co-operative groups. It must actively consider all options for the future of local media.”
John McDonnell MP, secretary of the NUJ parliamentary group, said: “I am really glad that the government has embraced our idea and acted so quickly. We look forward to taking part in the summit.”
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