Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, says the future of local newspapers such as the Nelson Leader are threatened by moves to relocate key functions to Preston.

Speaking from Westminster, the MP said: "Local newspapers are part and parcel of life. The chronicle the comings and goings and ups and downs of local people and the lives they lead. It would be an absolute tragedy if our local papers were to wither on the vine, becoming vehicles for advertising and little else."

"I want to see good local investigative reporting. Critical but impartial coverage of local politics. But that kind of journalism costs money."

"I have had many letters from local journalists who fear for the future of local journalism."

The MP is backing a Commons motion which "regrets the trend of cutbacks and lack of investment in local journalism by the owners of local news providers; notes that since the summer of 2008 over 1,000 editorial posts in local news have been cut or left unfilled and that dozens of local newspaper offices have closed despite local newspapers remaining viable and profitable businesses from which huge sums having been returned to shareholders over a number of years and where the pay of directors has rocketed."

Note 1 to editors: The MP received this letter (edited and anonymised) from a constituent.

"As one of your constituents, and a journalist, I am concerned about the future of local media. I am particularly worried that the government may be persuaded by big business lobbying to introduce changes that could actually exacerbate the problems faced by local journalists.

The cutbacks across the media are damaging quality journalism and the vital role it plays in our communities.

Along with a number of my colleagues at East Lancs Newspapers, I was presented with an option of voluntary redundancy or relocation to the Lancashire Evening Post in Preston on January 29th. No extra cash to take into account the 60-mile round trip or the two hours per day extra travelling. …working in Preston was not an option.

ELN is owned by Johnston Press who, despite making acceptable profits (24% compared with Tesco's 9%)  is determined to make even more savings by decimating the editorial departments of Nelson, Burnley and Clitheroe.

Last Thursday the company called in the editors, news editors, sports editor and internet manager to inquire if there was any interest among them for Voluntary Redundancy!

Local newspapers provided an invaluable service to the community. They must NOT be allowed to die.

Many media companies are now lobbying for changes to media ownership rules or for state support, but I am concerned that such action, without guarantees to secure investment in quality journalism, could actually make matters worse. I believe government action in this area should look to support local journalism, not simply the big businesses that own most local media outlets."

Note 2 to editors

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL JOURNALISM

26.02.2009

That this House regrets the trend of cutbacks and lack of investment in local journalism by the owners of local news providers; notes that since the summer of 2008 over 1,000 editorial posts in local news have been cut or left unfilled and that dozens of local newspaper offices have closed despite local newspapers remaining viable and profitable businesses from which huge sums having been returned to shareholders over a number of years and where the pay of directors has rocketed; further notes that local journalists are over-worked, often being forced to cover wider areas owing to staffing cutbacks; further notes that coverage of court trials, council meetings and local elections is in massive decline; re-affirms a commitment to high quality local journalism as an integral part of engaging people in their community, strengthening local identities and democracy; believes that Government action in this area must focus on supporting local journalism not simply propping up companies that have already extracted millions of pounds from their businesses whilst cutting investment in editorial resources; and therefore calls on the Government to explore innovative solutions to preserve local journalism and to ensure that state support, either in the form of deregulatory measures or financial help, is given only where firm guarantees on investment in local journalism are secured.