Organisers of the London 2012 Olympics have been urged to remember the needs of regional newspapers in drawing-up media arrangements for the Games.

The Newspaper Society has held a meeting with Jayne Pearce, head of press operations at the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, to discuss plans for press access and accreditation.

At the meeting, the NS said the needs of the local and regional press should be given ‘considerable emphasis’ so the Games would be truly national, rather than just focused on London.

The NS said those from regional newspapers who want to be accredited should be given equal priority with other media applicants.

It emphasised the particular interests of reporters in covering events at venues outside London and in following ‘local heroes’ – saying arrangements should be made so non-accredited media representatives could do this.

The NS has also raised these concerns informally with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, saying it will continue to raise the issues with ministers.

It said the media should be involved in possible government plans to introduce a Major Sporting Events Bill, if this could impact on the reporting of events.