Vaizey: People Rely On Local Newspapers

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has restated the Government’s commitment to “supporting the local newspaper industry” saying that “people rely on” local media.

Responding to a written question about the Government’s plans for the industry from Gregory Campbell, Democratic Unionist Party, Mr Vaizey said: “As the Secretary of State has stated previously, local papers are the bread and butter of journalism – they are part of the communities they serve, and people rely on and respect them.

“In our manifesto, we committed to consulting on the introduction of a business rates relief for local newspapers in England, which we have now done, and are considering next steps.”

The Government has voiced its commitment to supporting the local newspaper industry both in the 2015 Budget and the Conservative Party manifesto.

The budget stated that: “Local newspapers are an important source of information for local communities and a vital part of a healthy democracy.”