October + November 2024 Update
It’s been a little while since our last update, as I (that is to say, Rowan Gavin, Better Media Campaign Coordinator) was away for about half of October. In lieu of that month’s update, we’re rolling Oct and Nov together into this edition. You can read the last update here.
This update will be largely dedicated to three larger issues around media that we encourage Better Media members, associates and friends to get involved in. And we’ll dip into some news from inside Better Media and the Public Service Media Forum at the end as well. Let’s get into it!
Front Line Action
While it may not seem directly relevant to questions of media reform at first glance, the government’s recent launch of the Civil Society Covenant Framework is an excellent opportunity to ensure that community media is recognised and supported as a vital part of civil society. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has made an open call for submissions on the aims and design of the Framework. We would encourage all Better Media members and supporters to make a submission highlighting the the role of participatory media in fostering social cohesion, amplifying local voices, and strengthening democracy. Read member Rob Watson’s recent blog for more detail to help inform your submission.
Elsewhere in Westminster, Independent MP for Salford Rebecca Long-Bailey tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM 295) in October calling on government to recognise the harm that has been done to BBC journalists and the broadcaster’s output in the wake of successive cuts to local journalism services. While there are many valid criticisms of the BBC and its approach to local journalism in the past, many of those working in local media have observed that services have been degrading slowly and surely since the BBC cuts started last year. If you have a relationship with your MP and think they might have an interest in supporting BBC journalists, do write to them to encourage them to sign the EDM.
Speaking of supporting journalists, NUJ members at the Guardian and Observer voted to take strike action for the first time in decades over the proposed sale of the latter title to Tortoise Media Group. Strike action is a powerful tool for ensuring that those who do the work of producing the content that media conglomerates profit from are properly consulted on the actions of those entities. While I am sure I’m not the only one at Better Media who has plenty of gripes about editorial decisions made at the Guardian in recent years, it is crucial that we stand in solidarity with striking workers in our sector whenever and however we can. If you’re able to donate to the NUJ to support this dispute, or send a message of support to the branch, I would strongly encourage you to do so.
Behind The Scenes
Since our last update, the Public Service Media Forum (of which Better Media is a member) has had some significant meetings with representatives of Ofcom and DCMS. I was not able to attend either meeting myself, but colleagues have passed on their feelings that these meetings represent further progress in getting our aims and demands for media reform heard by some of those who have the power to enact structural change. As ever, we are aware that lobbying alone will not win all the change we need, but it has been encouraging to witness governmental institutions giving us and our partner institutions in the Forum more opportunities to be heard.
Within Better Media itself, we are currently working on some proposals to bring to members about the future of the organisation in the short- and long-term. We are keen to ensure that we can continue our progress in lobbying and other matters sustainably, but like any small non-profit campaigning organisation we face financial challenges that need to be addressed, and we will have more news on how we hope to move forward soon.
That’s all for this month! As always you can contact me on contact@bettermedia.uk – my working hours are Thursdays, 8.45-4.30.