News Media Association

Pleased to write for the latest issue of InPublishing on the key areas of focus for the News Media Association and our members over the coming months, and why protecting and promoting independent journalism has never been more important You can read the online version here: https://lnkd.in/eZCfrv4F

Read the report below from Index on Censorship on SLAPPs and their harmful impact on those who speak out in the public interest. It is a powerful reminder of why we urgently need an anti-SLAPP law in the UK.

Coverage from Michael Savage in The Guardian this afternoon of a joint letter from Sayra Tekin Dawn Alford National Union of Journalists Rebecca Camber Deborah Coles Pia Sarma and Stephanie Needleman calling on the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to abandon plans for a new law granting a presumption of anonymity for police firearms officers facing criminal proceedings. "If brought into force, the measure would ride roughshod over the principles of open justice which underpin public confidence in our policing and judicial system," the coalition said. https://lnkd.in/g4sFgASb

Plans to scrap laws requiring alcohol licensing notices and changes to local authority governance arrangements to be published in printed local newspapers amount to a direct attack on the public right to know, the local news media sector has said today. As Ministers launch a consultation on licensing reform, which includes a proposal to remove the statutory requirement for alcohol licensing notices to be advertised in print local papers, industry leaders have warned that the plans would shroud local communities in secrecy.  https://lnkd.in/ekF5m9um

I'm proud of the way my team has continued to report on this story despite some public criticism in a recent council meeting which singled out an individual reporter. All of our reporting has been fair and accurate on an issue where there is a clear public interest. The story is also a timely reminder of the importance of public notices, which by law have to be advertised in print and are also shared on the Public Notice Portal online. The government is planning to scrap laws requiring alcohol licensing notices to be published in printed local newspapers. This change would mean that plans such as this one for an existing venue to change its opening hours, or for the opening of a new pub or nightclub, would be hidden from local communities. This would be a damaging attack on the public's right to know and potentially disenfranchise a large section of society who rely on their local newspaper to find out what's happening where they live and get involved in local democracy. Scrapping the requirement for these notices would also make it a lot harder for us as journalists to find these stories and share them with our readers. The proposals need a rethink. https://lnkd.in/ewhQ96pS

I’ve been in London at the offices of The Guardian today filming with the News Media Association for their Journalism Matters campaign. Part of the campaign sees the NMA talk to leading journalists about their career and I was honoured they got in touch with me, as well as journalists from The Guardian and The Times. Clips from my filming will be published by the NMA during Journalism Matters Week in early November. Always a privilege to represent the Nottinghamshire Live team.

Following today’s announcement from the Competition and Markets Authority and Markets Authority confirming its final decision to designate Google as having Strategic Market Status in its general search services and search advertising, NMA chief executive Owen Meredith has said: “The CMA’s decision, confirming that Google has strategic market status in search, is a turning point in the fight for a fair and competitive digital economy in the UK. Search is a key discovery path for users accessing news online and Google has wielded its dominance to the detriment of users and publishers. “The CMA must now push ahead with remedies and put in place a robust set of conduct requirements to ensure publishers have genuine control over when and how their valuable content is used: that means real transparency, meaningful consent, and fair payment. “The British government must also stand firm and continue to resist pressure from the US President, bidding on behalf of Silicon Valley, to dilute pro-competition remedies under the guise of ‘innovation’. By taking this action, the CMA is ensuring the long-term sustainable growth of the UK tech and creative sectors.”

An important new piece in Campaign UK highlights fresh insights into the value of trusted news. The full research from Newsworks and The News Alliance will be published during #JournalismMatters Week in November – but some early insights are already available: https://lnkd.in/eZXax_mh

Today we proudly mark the 10-year anniversary of News Media Europe. A decade that carries countless moments of resilience, collaboration, and progress in protecting the freedom of the press, championing the digital future of our industry, and ensuring that the value of content is properly protected. This milestone is not only an occasion to celebrate our achievements, but also to extend heartfelt congratulations to all who have contributed to shaping our story. It wouldn't have been possible without the tremendous support and persistence of our members and staff. Thank you!