Council leaders have today hit back at the Newspaper Society over its claims that local authority newspapers represent a threat to commercial media.

Last week, the NS published a survey which it said showed councils “aggressively competing” for readers and advertisers against the local press.

But today, the Local Government Association has released research of its own which it says shows the Society’s claims are unfounded.

Its survey found that the majority of council publications are distributed on an infrequent basis and are produced simply to inform residents about services.

The LGA’s findings will be presented to Culture Secretary Andy Burnham at a Westminster summit tomorrow called to discuss the challenges facing local radio, television and newspapers.

The survey, which was sent to all councils in England, found that four out of five councils produce six or fewer magazines a year, and that almost 60pc of council publications contain 10pc or less of advertising

Cllr Margaret Eaton, chair of the LGA, said: “Councils want to see a successful and vibrant local media. It is essential for local democracy that the workings of local councils are scrutinised and elected representatives are held to account.

“From spending substantial amounts on advertising to sponsoring campaigns, local authorities are doing a great deal to help the media through difficult times.

“Councils do not operate their own publications to jeopardise the future of the local paper. As the LGA’s research shows, most magazines are only distributed a handful of times a year and are not significant competitors for advertising revenue.

“The growth of the internet has had a far bigger impact than council newspapers.”

Comments

Chris Youett (27/04/2009 16:08:02)
IF the Newspaper Society wants to see the back of Town Hall newspapers, the answer is very simple: re-instate all the local paper journalists posts at the same professional rates of pay that our collegaues in local government earn! Because we are worth it.