The Liverpool ECHO is a proud supporter of Journalism Matters - a week-long campaign led by the News Media Association to champion journalism and help safeguard its future.
The drive got underway on Monday with culture secretary Michelle Donelan pledging to be a “champion of journalism” and stating one of the most pressing things in her in-tray was “making sure this industry thrives in the digital age”.
News Media Association chief executive Owen Meredith said local journalism was becoming even more important, enjoying a boom in audiences as “people increasingly turn to sources of trusted information”.
READ MORE: Journalism Matters and this is why in the words of six Liverpool Echo journalists
He added: “Local journalism is a precious resource and it must be protected from the ravages of the deteriorating economy and the all-consuming tech problems who exploit journalism to drive engagement yet contribute next to nothing back into the industry which invests in it.”
And today Labour leader Keir Starmer added his support saying impartial and responsible journalism was “a cornerstone for a healthy, secure democracy and must be protected”.
He said: “Labour is proud of our country and the journalists who report on our daily life. They have a crucial job in holding us to account and a special trusted place in the life of the nation. We will always be committed to ensuring a sustainable, secure future for our media.”
The ECHO has been championing the Liverpool city region and telling the stories of its remarkable people for more than 140 years. Editing a publication with such a long and proud history is a real privilege - but it’s also a huge responsibility. And it is a responsibility everyone at the Liverpool ECHO takes extremely seriously.
Local news brands are perfectly placed to deliver trusted news because we enjoy a unique relationship with our readers and our digital audiences and it is a relationship we cherish and respect and never take for granted.
A commitment to public service journalism, campaigning for our communities, educating and informing are, of course, only part of the story. We want to make you smile, to entertain and inspire and celebrate all that is great about our city region.
Fashion, shopping, TV, showbiz and, of course, football has long been part of our content mix. We are a populist publication and unashamedly so.
Times have changed and we know that you read the ECHO in our award-winning newspaper, on our website or free and customisable apps, via our specialist newsletters or through your preferred social media platforms. You listen to our podcasts and watch our videos. And so many of you tell us what you think in our comments section.
Liverpool ECHO editor Maria Breslin said: “We genuinely believe Journalism Matters and our focus is totally on serving Liverpool and the city region and its many diverse communities.
“One of my predecessors said editors of the ECHO must always remember that our privileged position is temporary. The ECHO belongs to Merseyside and we are merely holding the title in trust for future generations of the communities we are proud to serve.”
Please feel free to contact me mariabreslin@reachplc.com with your questions, concerns and ideas.
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