It is thought to be the first time editorial chiefs from local publishers – who said the BBC’s attack on local news media was a ‘shameful legacy’ for BBC Director-General Tim Davie – have co-signed a joint message in this way. Expansion plans by the BBC are a ‘threat’ to local newspapers. The editors said: “Unlike Google, Meta and co, the BBC’s funding is guaranteed by the licence fee, meaning the British public is underwriting the biggest threat local journalism has ever faced. Back in October 2022, the BBC laid out plans to strengthen local online news provision in communities across England. The editors added: “It could do so much more to link to local publishers, helping them to thrive, rather than trying to close them down.

Source: Express December 05, 2023 05:16 UTC