Ealing, Acton, Shepherds Bush MP Andy Slaughter hits out at council newspaper threat to local journalism (From Ealing Times)

Ealing, Acton, Shepherds Bush MP Andy Slaughter hits out at council newspaper threat to local journalism

4:03pm Thursday 14th January 2010

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ONE of Ealing’s MPs voiced his concern about the future of local journalism, and the threat posed by some council-run newspapers, in a Commons debate.

The devastating effects of the recession in 2009, changing reading habits and direct challenges from a number of council publications around the country, have contributed to job losses, widespread reorganisation and even closure of local newspapers.

Their plight has caused cross-party unease, and prompted Sutton and Cheam Lib Dem MP Paul Burstow to introduce the debate in the House of Commons yesterday (Wednesday).

Ealing, Acton and Shepherds Bush Labour MP Andy Slaughter, spoke of his concern about councils attempting to run their own newspapers, roundly attacking H&F News, the publication of the Tory-run London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

Mr Slaughter called for its closure, adding that it was known locally as ‘Pravda’.

“What action do the government intend to take to stop politicisation through the council press, and the destruction of the independent local press? We will shortly need action at national level,” he said.

“Let us make no mistake: the problem goes further than the watering down or manipulation of news. Very large sums of money – millions of pounds – are involved.

“Hammersmith and Fulham admits to spending £750,000 on the newspaper, but that is only the cost that it admits. It is the tip of the iceberg.”

Introducing the debate, Mr Burstow also criticised the Hammersmith and Fulham council newspaper, describing it as: “…a perfect example of what I wanted this debate to be about: pseudo-newspapers.

“It has lots of news, a 12-page property section pull-out, crosswords and a Sudoku, a what’s on section, advertising from local businesses and even a gardening section. Its counterparts in Tower Hamlets and Greenwich and all such publications are written to look at the world through the tinted glasses of the ruling party of the council.”

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