A free press is sacred
“More than 245 British papers have closed in the last 15 years”. An alarming fact.
The former Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne’s preoccupation with austerity heralded a host of closures within local communities – such as libraries, youth clubs, community centres, Surestart sites etc.
It was the central government’s opportunity to shrink regional and local power and responsibilities, ostensibly to lower the national debt, which was never achieved!
C. P. Scott stated: “Comment is free... but facts are sacred”.
In an era of "false news”, a term popularised by D. Trump, genuine facts are precious.
The role of our local press should be precious.
Are local papers heading in the same direction as news outlets mentioned above?
This would prove a disaster for our community and democracy! It is imperative that media keep a wary eye on B. Johnson’s claim to “Build, build, build”.
Tandem to this, he announces a free for all on new house building.
Does this decline in journalism mean that building proposals get far too little attention? We need the press to monitor, scrutinise, report on local planning.
The government wants to sideline the role of local councils in the planning system.
The community must retain a voice and resist! Apparently, “Section 106 agreements”, that compel builders to include affordable housing in their developments and make contributions to local amenities, is to be scrapped.
This needs to be challenged. Where papers close, local radio stops etc., the means
by which facts are presented to the local community is lost.
The opportunity to hold those responsible for concerns specific to housing and local planning, namely landowners, developers, builders, councillors, to account is, likewise, lost!
Press freedom is sacrosanct.
Presenting all the facts to the people is also sacrosanct!
“The means by which facts are presented to the local community is lost.”
Janet and Hal Platt.