The backlash is growing against the BBC’s surprise announcement of plans for a new network of “digital community journalists” with senior industry figures branding the proposals a “direct assault on the commercial media.”<\/p>\n
In a piece for The Yorkshire Post<\/a>, David Montgomery said any support should be directed to existing and new independent local and regional media organisations instead being channelled into the expansion of the BBC.<\/p>\n Mr Montgomery, executive chairman of JPI Media, said: “There is more than enough spectrum on all platforms for the country to be enriched by commercial media providers with their roots in local communities rather than an inefficient, stagnating blow-in from London that has somehow discovered the regions at the tail-end of its existence.<\/p>\n “Let other providers have a turn – there is an abundance of talent in the regions that can surface under its own steam without the assistance of the BBC. That would be genuine creative and geographical diversity.”<\/p>\n Here we go again. Heartily sick of the BBC pleading poverty whilst simultaneously plotting to move into areas well-served by existing publishers and broadcasters. https:\/\/t.co\/6hWiIhOqHM<\/a><\/p>\n — Ian Carter (@iancarterIM) March 20, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n