The local media is very important to the functioning of our democracy.

Quality reporting of local news is invaluable, and UNISON branches and regions have good relationships with local journalists. Sadly though, many local newspapers are under threat.

The Campaign for Press and Broadcast Freedom (North) campaigns for a diverse democratically accountable media and highlights assaults on jobs and conditions in local and regional newspapers. They have a new publication called MediaNorth and the first issue can be accessed here: MediaNorth Issue 1

Today (Thursday) NUJ members who work on the Carlisle News and Star, the Cumberland News, the Workington Times and Star, and the Whitehaven News are taking strike action over cuts to jobs and pay. They have received widespread support for their action.  You can help by writing to the Managing Director of Newsquest Cumbria:  https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/reverse-journalist-cuts-at-newsquest