Writing as part of this year’s Journalism Matters Week, the prime minister calls news a ‘part of the national infrastructure of a healthy country and democracy’
He adds: “It holds power to account, strengthens our resilience and connects people to the places they call home.”
Burnham’s comments come as part of the news industry’s annual ‘Journalism Matters’ campaign, coordinated by the News Media Association. This year’s campaign will see the news industry come together to celebrate the role journalism plays underpinning national infrastructure.
A global report published by UNESCO earlier this year found a raft of economic and security benefits connected to journalism in countries with an ecosystem which supports an independent free press.
NMA chief executive Theo Bamber said: “The support shown by the prime minister must turn into real action that demonstrates the government understands the changed environment that journalists and news publishers are operating in and strengthens their ability to do more of what they’re brilliant at — chasing stories, uncovering the truth and holding power to account.
“This means the government must do everything in its power to maintain a free and plural media ecosystem where the value of journalistic content is recognised and protected, whether that’s from global tech companies or the consequences of poor policy decisions. Journalism and news publishing are part of our national infrastructure and need the protection and support that comes with that.”
