Reports to government departments can be safely recommended as a cure for insomnia. But there are exceptions to every rule and one written by Ofcom for the Department of Culture Media and Sport provided an encouraging tonic at the end of a long day.
“We have recognised the critical role that local newspaper journalism plays in delivering public purposes,” said Ofcom.
Delighted to hear it.
“Local newspaper journalism not only underpins the delivery of local news on other media but also makes a key contribution to the national news agenda.”
That means our stories are copied or followed up by radio, television, larger newspapers and news agencies who trawl our websites as they don’t have correspondents here. Two examples are the prayers banned at council meetings story which appeared in yesterday's Cheddar Valley Gazette then featured in BBC television's Points West news last night, and the motorbike dealer cheated out of thousands of pounds story, which appeared in yesterday's Wells Journal and then on BBC Somerset radio's news today.
"Customers and citizens value the role local and regional content plays in their lives; local and regional news in particular helps to inform people about what is going on in their local community, while news and other types of local content contribute towards reflecting UK cultural identity and representing diversity and alternative viewpoints.”
Yes, everyone can contribute to our newspapers, providing they don’t break libel or other laws.
“Many respondents (to the Ofcom survey) felt an emotional tie with this medium (local newspapers), and considered it essential in following local politics.”
We report politics because it matters and no other media bother, but give little space to the bickering between parties.
So thanks to Ofcom for your understanding and forgiveness for keeping me awake.
Philip Welch
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