UK Unveils £12m Local Media Strategy for Journalism

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy unveiled the UK's first Local Media Strategy in a generation on Tuesday at the Society of Editors Future of News Conference, announcing a £12 million funding package to bolster local journalism amid growing digital challenges. The initiative, aimed at sustaining community-focused reporting across print, online, radio, and television outlets, includes grants for innovation and doubled support for community radio stations.

The strategy allocates up to £12 million over two years through a new Local News Fund, enabling local media organizations to bid for resources to enhance digital infrastructure, such as advertising technology, mobile applications, and improved website designs. Officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated that these tools will help outlets reach younger audiences and new revenue streams while streamlining access to public records. Community radio funding will increase to £1 million annually for the next three years, up from the 2024-25 level, supporting nearly 400 stations and expanding coverage in underserved areas often described as news deserts.

Additional measures focus on nurturing future journalists and...