The Government is deciding whether newspapers should bear the costs of future investigations if it decides to intervene in newspaper or cross-media transactions.
The Trade and Industry secretary could call in deals for a closer look on public interest grounds, and the Government is inviting views on a range of fee options for purchases and mergers.

How many ethnic newspapers are there in New York? At least 60 newspapers have been launched in Baghdad since the downfall of Saddam Hussein - true or false? What country has the highest newspaper readership in the world? What is the total circulation of China's 2,160 largest newspapers? What is the name of the only newspaper on the Falkland Islands? When was the first radio station opened in Bolivia?
The answers to these and other media industry questions are in a new at-a-glance directory of global media landscapes published on mediabuddies.com, the networking club for journalists, radio and television broadcasters, public relations, advertising and marketing executives.

An undercover operation by the Carlisle News & Star found that traders were willing to sell potentially lethal weapons - a dagger and sword - to a 15-year-old boy, despite a legal age limit of 16.
But the paper also revealed that the sale could be classed as legal as the weapons could be classed as ornaments.

The Grimsby Telegraph has published a petition coupon in support of keeping the town's Bird's Eye factory open.
Up to 600 jobs are threatened and the paper has promised to pass on the coupons and any letters received to the food company.

Roger Simpson, executive director of the The Dart Centre based in Seattle, and author of the book Covering Violence, will be hosting a one-day workshop on the topic for educators and trainers in journalism next year.
It is aimed at those working at journalism schools and on institutional training programmes in the UK.

The South Wales Evening Post has launched a campaign to make Swansea sparkle.
The Our Clean Streets campaign hopes to help prompt a makeover for the city and ensure rubbish ends up in the bin. It will work with the council and residents to achieve its goal.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk