NMA Calls for Hancock Meeting Over Government Comms Strategy

The News Media Association has called for a meeting with Cabinet Office Minister Matthew Hancock to address “inaccurate assumptions” about the news media industry in a recent report on Government communications strategy.  

NMA deputy chief executive Lynne Anderson said in a letter to Mr Hancock that the Government should be working with news media to communicate more effectively with the public rather than seeking to bypass the industry in favour of social media, as suggested in the Government Communication Service – Modern Communications Operating Model report.

Lynne said: “The news media industry is reaching bigger and more engaged audiences than ever before across its print and digital platforms. Other media outlets including social media are reliant on it as the leading source of original news content.

“Instead of seeking to bypass the news media industry, as suggested by the GSC report, the government should be working with it in order to communicate more effectively with the public and ensure government messages reach those most affected by policies.”

The letter also voices concerns over the current review of the Freedom of Information Act saying that watering  down the Act  “would undermine the openness, scrutiny and accountability of government and other public bodies.”  

Lynne said: “We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the central role for news media in the government’s communications strategy and the importance of ensuring that Freedom of Information legislation is not curtailed.”