The Labour Party leader is committed to ensuring a sustainable and secure future for journalism and wants to see publishers gain greater control of their data and content
Writing for the News Media Association’s Journalism Matters campaign, Sir Keir Starmer said “it’s only fair that creators are fairly rewarded for their work and not just the platforms that profit from it”.
He commented on the changing landscape, saying “big tech platforms now dominate the online advertising market, to the detriment of consumers, potential rivals, and newspapers”, and pleaded with the government to “act to secure the future of our media”.
“Journalism matters because it tells of the struggles and successes of people and communities across our country, providing a common thread,” he said. “It informs the public on crucial issues like the cost of living crisis, and the reality of life in communities outside of our own. It uncovers scandals. It shines light on global issues like climate change. We are fortunate to enjoy the impartial and free press we have in this country.”
He concluded: “[Journalists] have a crucial job in holding us to account, and a special trusted place in the life of the nation.”
Journalism Matters is the NMA’s annual campaign to champion journalism. It kicked off this week with the launch of a Making a Difference public vote to find the best local and national news media campaigns of the past year.
