Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Leaders of major parties supporting local newspapers
Three political party leaders have given their backing in support of the annual Local Newspaper Week, which started on Monday.
Conservative leader Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron all wrote articles in support of the local press and Fighting Fake News. Local Newspaper Week, run by Local Media Works, highlights the work of local newspapers in communities.
In her piece, Mrs May said local newspapers are the heart of communities, keeping readers informed and entertained and helping hold those in politics to account. She wrote: “The dedicated journalism of local reporters, combined with the campaigning muscle provided by trusted local titles, has helped to improve the lives of people in communities across the whole country.
“It is important for us to remember that truthful, accurate and informed reporting from local papers can be a tremendous force for good.
“Local newspapers do not always make for easy reading for politicians, but that is just as it should be.”
Mr Corbyn said that one of his first roles was as a reporter of a local newspaper, and that he has been passionate about their role in communities ever since. He wrote: “Local papers do so much more than simply keeping their readers informed. They are a glue that binds communities, celebrating local people’s achievements and accomplishments and, in equal measure, standing with them when challenges or obstacles arise.
“By reflecting the concerns, hopes and aspirations of different sections of the local community, local papers foster a spirit of understanding and cooperation.
“Local papers are highly trusted and I am pleased to see the industry coming together to promote their credentials through the Fighting Fake News campaign. Through their unique insight to local matters, local newspapers can strengthen and promote democracy and the search for truth in the face of fake or fabricated news stories from other media sources.”
Mr Farron said that in the runup to the election on June 8, the role of trusted local journalism is more important than ever. He wrote: “At a time when political ideas and arguments are being intensely debated and challenged, people rely on their local newspaper to cut through the spin and present them with the unvarnished facts about their candidates and what they stand for.
“In the run up to the general election, it is essential for people to be able to access trustworthy information and make well-informed decisions. By investing in high-quality local journalism, local newspapers enable and support this process which underpins democracy.”