Digital Competition and Public Interest News: The View from the UK - with Jonathan Heawood - PINF
Dear Friends,
On 18 November 2022, Jonathan Heawood, Executive Director of the Public Interest News Foundation (UK) gave a seminar on Digital Competition and Public Interest News: The View from the UK.
Jonathan began by discussing the current state of public interest journalism in the UK. He noted that while there is a range of different media outlets, the smaller ones are facing serious economic challenges that jeopardise their very existence, whereas large corporate legacy organisations are not struggling to stay afloat.
Jonathan then discussed the function of public interest journalism, pointing out that it is essential for an informed citizenry and for democracy. He highlighted how the public interest can be served by providing a platform for diverse voices, holding the powerful to account, and creating a space for debate and discussion. And he made clear that independent and local journalism have a fundamental role in pursuing this objective.
He then turned to the Digital Competition Bill in the UK (and the CMA and Ofcom joint advice paper) and its potential impact on public interest journalism. He noted that while the bill is intended to create a more level playing field, it also has the potential to further disadvantage small and medium publishers, in particular, if the regulator will opt for a system based on a 'binding final offer arbitration'.
Finally, Jonathan suggested questions for further research.
If you want to know more about his seminar you can find the recordings here.
Enjoy it!
Claudio