Council magazines not a threat to the local media

LGA press release - 27 April 2009

Claims that council magazines have been threatening the future of local newspapers are unfounded, according to new research published today.

A comprehensive survey by the Local Government Association has found that the majority of council publications are distributed on an infrequent basis and are produced to inform residents about services.

 The survey’s findings will be presented by the Local Government Association to the Culture Secretary Andy Burnham at a Westminster summit tomorrow (Tuesday). Mr Burnham called the meeting because of the ‘intense challenges’ facing local radio, television and newspapers.

The survey, which was sent to all councils in England, found that:

• Four out of five councils produce six or fewer magazines a year
• 98 per cent of councils produce their own publication to inform residents about services
• Six out of ten councils report that local newspapers have closed, or were thought to have struggled in recent years, and a loss of advertising revenue and the growth of the new media were considered the main reasons
• Almost 60 per cent of council publications contain 10 per cent or less of advertising

Cllr Margaret Eaton, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:

“Councils want to see a successful and vibrant local media. It is essential for local democracy that the workings of local councils are scrutinised and elected representatives are held to account. From spending substantial amounts on advertising to sponsoring campaigns, local authorities are doing a great deal to help the media through difficult times.

“Councils do not operate their own publications to jeopardise the future of the local paper. As the LGA’s research shows, most magazines are only distributed a handful of times a year and are not significant competitors for advertising revenue. The growth of the internet has had a far bigger impact than council newspapers.

“Local authority publications keep residents informed about what the council does and can do for them. Whether it is by providing a number to call to report nuisance neighbours or offering information on how people out of work can access training opportunities, only council publications can keep residents fully informed about the services on offer where they live.

“If residents only think their council empties the bins and issues parking tickets, this leaves them oblivious to the other 798 services their taxes pay for and is fundamentally unhealthy in a modern democracy. People deserve to know what their council tax is being spent on.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

A copy of the survey and results are available on request

Download a copy of the survey results

Author: LGA Media Office
Contact: LGA Media Office, Tel: 020 7664 3333