Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has vowed to ensure the journalism industry “thrives in the digital age” as a matter of priority.

Ms Donelan, who kept the job given to her by former Prime Minister Liz Truss following her successor Rishi Sunak’s reshuffle last week, has also pledged to “be a champion of journalism in every way I can”.

The minister made the remarks in a piece run by newspapers across the United Kingdom this morning to mark the start of Journalism Matters week, an annual campaign that aims to highlight and celebrate the journalism industry.

In her column, Ms Donelan reiterated previous Government pledges to give the new Digital Markets Unit the power to step in to solve pricing disputes between news outlets and platforms and to repeal Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013.

The Chippenham MP, pictured, wrote: “Like countless readers, I am really proud to live in a country that has such a flourishing media scene, starting with the 850 local news titles across the UK, including the Melksham Independent News in my own constituency.

“These local newspapers act as our neighbourhood watch. They have their ear to the ground of their communities — holding local public services’ feet to the fire, monitoring what is happening in the local courts and providing a valuable platform for causes and community groups.

“But we also need the reporters and editors who work at national press and broadcast outlets, and who are just as vital to our democracy. Their front pages lead the national conversation.

“Their presenters ask the questions to which we all want answers. And their investigations shape our society by exposing wrongdoing.

“So this week is the perfect opportunity for me to make clear that as Secretary of State, I am going to be a champion of journalism in every way I can.

“For me, that starts with one of the most pressing things in my in-tray: making sure this industry thrives in the digital age.”

Ms Donelan went on to note that “big tech has swallowed up much of the advertising market and contributed to the closure of too many newsrooms”.

Vowing to press ahead with the National Action Plan to tackle the abuse of journalists, she added: “Working alongside industry partners, the police and others, we are committed to reducing the number of attacks and threats against journalists and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

“I intend to do my bit to help this essential industry thrive. But papers need your support, too. Ultimately it is you — the readers — who keep your local Gazette, Inquirer or Bugle up and running.

“When you buy a paper or visit a news website, you are doing so much more than getting up-to-speed on the latest news or gossip. You are supporting an institution that keeps this country running.”