Evidence library

The production and circulation of independent, quality news is a hallmark of democratic societies. The demise of the existing business model of the local and regional press and of broadcast news in the UK and Ireland, together with the struggle for survival of many national newspapers, demands a critical consideration of what the public wants news for and how it can be delivered. The digital age has provided a growing plethora of media outlets, and people can publish content more easily than ever, but the domination of a limited number of international news organisations that controls the flow of news and the contours of public debate is a significant threat to pluralism in the media. The role of civil society associations in bringing diversity of viewpoints, and challenging normative understandings, has never been more important. Protecting and enhancing this diversity is becoming ever more vital. This report provides a series of recommendations for civil society associations, media industries and policy-makers to help achieve this goal. This report was commissioned to inform the work of the Commission of Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society in the UK and Ireland. To view the Final Report, please see:http://www.scvo.org.uk/EvidenceLibrary/Home/ReadResearchItem.aspx?f=h&rid=1049