Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today urged everyone to support the News Media Association’s Journalism Matters campaign, saying on Twitter that “local, regional and national newspapers have proved indispensable in keeping communities reliably informed” during the coronavirus pandemic. <\/p>\n
\nDuring the pandemic our local, regional and national newspapers have proved indispensable in keeping communities reliably informed and I urge everyone to support the @newsmediaorg<\/a> Journalism Matters campaign. #JournalismMatters<\/a><\/p>\n
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 8, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In a series of written articles for Journalism Matters, leading politicians from the three main parties in Westminster have explained why journalism has become so much important during the coronavirus pandemic. <\/p>\n
In his article<\/a>, Minister of State for Media and Data John Whittingdale has said it remains his “absolute priority to do all I can to support local news outlets” which are “the cornerstone of a rich and varied media landscape.”<\/p>\n
He said: “With increased misinformation on social media, trusted journalism has been a fundamental source of clarity throughout the pandemic. More than 85 per cent of adults turned to traditional media as a source of information about coronavirus. And news organisations are more than four times as trusted for news and information about coronavirus than social media.<\/p>\n
“Moreover, throughout lockdown, local and regional papers played a key role helping coordinate volunteering and neighbourhood efforts to make sure the vulnerable got the help they needed.”<\/p>\n
\nWe’re privileged to have so many high quality news outlets and I urge people to recognise and support all that’s best about this valuable industry. More from me for @newsmediaorg<\/a> in @independent<\/a> #JournalismMatters<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/kF7GnHflkw<\/a><\/p>\n
— John Whittingdale (@JWhittingdale) October 8, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n