Review to investigate press sustainability

A REVIEW examining the press and the sustainability of journalism has now been launched with Ashley Highfield, inset, chief executive of The Yorkshire Post owner Johnston Press, on board.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Matt Hancock has announced that Dame Frances Cairncross, from Otley near Leeds, has been appointed as chairwoman.

Terms of reference outline how the review, now known as the Cairncross review, aims to investigate the journalism industry. They include the market state, threats to financial sustainability, the role and impact of digital search engines and social media, how content and data flows are operated and managed and the role of digital advertising.

Speaking at the Oxford Media Convention, Mr Hancock said: “Although the internet has been an immense force for good, it has torn apart the established order and raised real questions about the sustainability and profitability of traditional journalism. “Dame Frances will bring her experience in journalism and academia to tackle these issues with a view to examine the press and protect the future of high quality journalism.” Dame Frances will be supported by experts in the fields of journalism, academia, advertising and technology. They also include Huffpost UK editor-in-chief Polly Curtis and Stephen Woodford, chief executive of the Advertising Association, among others.