The
regional press could be badly affected by the Government’s
proposals to restrict use of the FoI Act by “serial requestors”
such as journalists. The intention was to bring forward
legislation by the end of the year, ideally without any formal
consultation. (
See
briefing)
The government had previously declined to implement any formal
consultation process. However the Prime Minister today confirmed
that “we will listen carefully to what you say.”
Addressing press political journalists, editors and chief
executives, he said: “what's important to realise is this
generates an awful lot of work for government and it's important
there is some sort of cost benefit relationship to it.”
He thanked the regional press for its important community
work, saying: “I would like to emphasise that the reputation of
the regional press is relatively high, and that is entirely
justified.
“Local papers do a fantastic job in reflecting views of
local people, and leading local campaigns. You run campaigns
that affect people to a far greater degree than the issues
discussed here.”
“There is a reason why the local media is more
trusted. It is because you are closer to people, and you
recognise that your own credibility depends on people recognising
something of what they read in something of what they experience,
and vice versa. That's the crucial thing that makes the
difference.”
He also covered a wide range of topics including anti-social
behaviour, the NHS and schools, and answered questions. The
FoI question was posed by Paul Francis, political editor of the
Kent Messenger.
Zoe Hughes, chairman of the
Newspaper Conference and political
editor of The Journal,
Newcastle said: "I am delighted that the Prime Minister joined
us today. It is vital that politicians recognise the
importance of regional media, and the close relationship we have
with readers. Politicians need to re-engage a disillusioned public,
and in order to do this, they need to focus on relationships with
the media the public trusts. The regional press understands
people on a personal and local level, and represents the readers it
serves. Politicians are elected regionally on issues that matter to
people close to home, so they need to talk to people in a targeted
and local way."
Paul Davidson, president of
the Newspaper Society and
chairman and chief executive of
Newsquest Media Group thanked the Prime Minister
for attending, and said: “The regional press is an important
media sector, with 1,300 local newspapers, 600 niche magazines, 800
websites, 20 radio stations and two TV channels, all focused on the
core business of local community news and
information.
“It plays a vital role in politics and democracy telling
the stories that matter to people on a day-to-day basis,
representing the needs of the community to politicians and keeping
readers informed about the issues and values that their local MPs
stand for. Without the regional press, the world of
politics would be a much poorer place.”
The Newspaper Conference comprises political and London
editors and correspondents of regional newspapers in membership of
the Newspaper Society. It revolves around a series of lunch
meetings, organised by the Newspaper Society, at which members have
the opportunity to put questions of regional interest to senior
politicians. The Annual Lunch is the main event of the year, and is
open to all members of the Newspaper Society.
This year’s Annual Lunch, sponsored by Allied Irish Bank (GB)
for the fourth year, was held at the House of Commons.
The Newspaper Conference Annual lunch has received a large
amount of national and regional press attention. The Sun and The
Times both ran pieces on Blair's proudest achievements as Prime
Minister. Roy Greenslade on The Guardian Unlimited website
commented on Tony Blair's position on the Freedom of Information
Act. The regional press picked up on the Prime Minister's comments
on devolution, the North-South divide, and the Freedom of
Information Act among other things. Links to a selection of the
Articles can be found below.
The Newspaper Society, the voice of Britain's regional
and local press, represents around 1,300 daily and weekly, paid-for
and free, newspaper titles in the UK.
The Newspaper Society is a member of UK Publishing
Media: a £18 billion alliance of newspapers, magazines and books,
which collectively represent one of the largest investors in the
rapidly-expanding information society.
About Allied Irish Bank (GB)Allied Irish Bank (GB) is a trade mark used under licence by
AIB Group (UK) p.l.c., a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Irish
Banks p.l.c., which has one of the strongest capital bases of any
bank in Britain and Ireland.
*It has six times been voted 'Britain's Best Business Bank' -
2004, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1996 and 1994 by the Forum of Private
Business. This biennial survey looks at the relationship
between businesses and their banks, in particular the quality of
their people and their operational efficiency. Allied Irish Bank
(GB) has proved best in both categories.
As a testament to the Bank's long-standing commitment to staff
development, Allied Irish Bank (GB) has been reaccredited with
Investors in People status for the third consecutive time,
exceeding 90% of the measures set down by the new IiP national
benchmark.