The event, in response to the current challenges facing the regional newspaper market, will look at various ways to support local news providers, and is part of an ongoing programme of work looking at the future of media as part of the Digital Britain project. Speakers at the event include Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, and Alan Rusbridger, editor of The Guardian. They will discuss issues around new models of ownership and collaborative ways of working particularly around training, along with ways for the industry to modernise and become part of the digital age.
Discussion at today's summit will feed into the final Digital Britain report to be published by the Government this summer.
Mr Burnham said:
"Strong local media are vital to a healthy democracy and provide a crucial and trusted service to their communities.
"There are very real pressures facing local newspapers across the country, partly caused by the economic downturn, and partly by the transformation brought about by the digital age.
"Today's summit will explore how we can support the local media industry in meeting these challenges, and continuing to thrive in the future."
Across the country local newspapers are facing particular pressures. Despite online readership rising, physical circulation is suffering a year on year decline. Many local newspapers across the country have already closed with many more forced to make job cuts. This is exacerbated by the decline in advertising revenue currently at 30 per cent year on year. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) together with Ofcom are currently undertaking an exploratory review across the local and regional media sector.
