Jim McMahon seeks support for local newspapers

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon

Last week Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon wrote to the Secretary of State at the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, seeking clarification on the financial support available for local newspapers.

In the letter Jim McMahon acknowledges that in order to remain free local newspapers have become reliant on advertising.

After sending the letter Jim said, “It’s really important in these times that local media remains viable and functioning to hold us all to account.

"The governments job retention scheme was a very welcome move, but for some local institutions that only have one or two journalists furloughing them would mean a complete loss of news output.”

“We need to ensure that local news outlets continue to operate, it’s crucial that we have trusted news sources to combat the spread of misinformation.

“I have seen yesterday that the national newspapers have come together and written to advertisers asking them to back trusted news sources, I hope that advertisers take note of the open letter and go further in extending it to more local outfits too.

"I hope the government has been preparing for this and that it doesn’t allow important local institutions to go under. I look forward to hearing from the Secretary of State soon.”

The Oldham Chronicle is one of the many businesses affected by the Coronavirus crisis. 

Managing Director of Credible Media, owners of the Chronicle, Matt Ramsbottom said:

“Despite a reduction in revenue, your local independent newspaper will continue to bring you the latest news and information for Oldham.

"Our web traffic has increased by 50%, with almost half a million views during this crisis. We’re grateful that Oldhamers are trusting the Chronicle for accurate local news”.

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