Should the BBC help fund regional newspapers? Should the PR industry chip In?

The BBC’s digital expansion has long been viewed as a threat to the commercial operation of many regional news providers. Local newspapers in particular have been critical of the BBC, claiming its online services are a source of unfair competition and accusing the broadcaster of lifting their stories.

With falling circulations, decreasing advertising revenues and increased competition from online publishers, the perceived added pressure from the BBC just adds to the perfect storm that threatens to sink to beleaguered regional press.

But a group of newspaper publishers, represented by the News Media Association, are fighting back, and demanding that the BBC fund regional newspapers’ public service journalism (coverage of council meetings, court reporting, etc.).

Local newspapers are reportedly seeking £14m from the BBC to pay the wages of 364 regional newspaper reporters.

This follows last year’s offer by the BBC to employ 100 public service reporters which was rejected by regional publishers because they did not like the idea of hosting BBC journalists in their newsrooms.

A spokesperson for the News Media Association told reporters: “The reporters would be commissioned to provide council and other quango reporting to the BBC so the proposal is about finding a different way for the BBC to pay for what it clearly needs and values, and currently takes from the regional press without payment or even proper sourcing.”

If the regional publishers’ demands are successful, this could provide a valuable lifeline to many struggling titles. It also opens up questions on alternative sources of funding.

Should the PR industry chip in?

A buoyant, balanced media landscape is vitally important to the PR industry. You might suggest it is a foundation on which we develop our businesses. Without the regional press, many PRs would struggle to find an outlet to build their clients’ reputations. With this in mind should the PR industry take an active role in securing the future of our regional news providers?

Consider this: UK newspaper publishers have axed around half their reporters since 2008. These cuts impact on the quality of news titles and reduce the credibility of many publications we as PR professionals rely on to effectively reach our clients’ target audiences. Can we afford to let this continue?

While it would be inappropriate for the PR industry to directly fund newspapers (they must retain editorial independence if they are to provide a truly valuable service), perhaps there could be alternative way of distributing cash to ensure their continued survival such as a voluntary donation into a central fund and used to pay for hiring and training the next generation of local journalists.

The real question is: would you or your organisation be willing to contribute to such a fund?