Campaign

About our Local News Campaign

At a time when disinformation is driving disengagement and division, public interest journalism – which speaks to, for and with the public – has an essential role to play. However, the digital economy is dominated by social media platforms that prioritise distorting and incendiary content. 

In its groundbreaking 2025 report, the PINF Local News Commission stated that every community in the UK should be served by local news that is Accountable, Sustainable, in the Public interest, Innovative, Representative and Engaging (‘ASPIRE’).  

At its best, public interest local news builds communities’ resilience to misinformation, strengthens democracy, holds power to account, creates pride in place and fosters civic participation.

The Commissioners identified various barriers to their vision, including the complex presence of the BBC, big tech and local government in the local news ecosystem. 

We want to turn a hostile environment for local news into positive conditions that can enable local news providers to thrive. So, our advocacy will focus on three campaign objectives: 

• Ensure that the BBC works in partnership with local news providers, including potentially through a new commissioning fund. 
• Ensure that big tech firms treat local news providers fairly, including through bargaining codes and must carry provisions. 
• Ensure that local authorities support local news providers, including through an updated public notice system.