JOURNALISM MATTERS CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 2089, tabled 3 May 2006 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 63 members.

That this House welcomes the launch of the Journalism Matters campaign by the National Union of Journalists to highlight the importance of quality journalism to local democracy in the UK; believes that quality journalism relies on adequate resources being provided to enable journalists to carry out their role in an effective manner; expresses concern at recent editorial job losses and budget cuts in local newspapers which are undermining journalists' ability to carry out their role effectively; notes that the cuts are being carried out by highly profitable media companies who effectively operate as regional monopolies; and calls on the Government to investigate allegations of profiteering and anti-competitive practices by local newspaper companies.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 10, Conservative 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 2, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.