Plans announced by the Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron MP, and Shadow Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, will review the bureaucratic regulations around the ownership of local newspapers and will allow local newspapers to consolidate, both with each other and across platforms into online, TV and radio.

This will give local newspapers the freedom to adapt to the digital world and develop new business models fit for the 21st Century. Most significantly this will encourage local newspaper groups to invest in ultra local television services.

Ben said: “We are fortunate to have some fantastic local newspapers here in Suffolk – the Ipswich Evening Star has been named the Press Gazette's Daily Newspaper of the Year for two consecutive years and the East Anglian Daily Times is known nationwide as having among the best political commentary of any regional newspaper.

“It would be an absolute disaster if regulations and bureaucracy, enforced by Labour politicians in Whitehall, cause further cutbacks at our local papers.

“Advertising revenue is down 35percent since the start of the recession and more than 50 local newspapers have closed. This week Northcliffe, the owners of the Daily Mail, have announced 1,000 job cuts. The evening paper in Reading has just gone to twice a week.  These are tough times for local newspapers and we need a government that looks out for their needs.

“Outdated government regulations make it far too hard for local newspapers to adapt and develop new business models. It is incredibly difficult for newspaper groups to consolidate with other neighbouring groups and stringent rules make it virtually impossible for them to own radio or TV stations in the same area.

“Without allowing newspaper groups to offer advertising across a variety of media platforms it will be incredibly hard for them to arrive at a commercially sustainable business plan.

“It is for these reasons that the Conservatives are calling for an urgent review of these government regulations. We must ensure that our excellent local newspapers here in Ipswich continue to serve our community for many generations to come.”
 

11th April 2009