Edinburgh North & Leith Labour MP, Mark Lazarowicz, has used a House of Commons debate to urge government and media regulators to do more to encourage community media, such as local TV and radio. Mark spoke of the ‘small explosion’ in community radio and television as well as the increased interest in other local media such as community websites and newssheets.

Mark was speaking in a House of Commons debate on “community media”, on Tuesday 24 April.

He said: “I find that in my own constituency there’s a growing interest in local community media of all sorts, ranging from local TV through to community radio and community newspapers. Our local radio station, Leith FM which has operated on special occasions only now has a permanent licence and will be launching regular broadcasts shortly, and there has been what can only be described as a small explosion of local community outlets – everything from local newssheets to community websites, big and small.”

“This is very much the voice of the community speaking up for itself, at a time when the media is dominated more and more by a few big multinationals.”

“I believe that government and the media regulators should make big efforts to encourage these local community voices, and there are a number of key decisions about the media which will be taken shortly where there is an opportunity to support and encourage local community media.

Mark specifically called for the following:

1.      The current OFCOM “Digital Dividend” review should make a digital TV channel in each are available for a local community TV station.

2.      These local community TV channels should be required to carry local news and community information, as well as to provide a forum for local arts, culture, and sporting events.

3.      More help for local community radio during the start-up period for new community stations.

Mark concluded: “Strengthening local communities is a way of helping us tackle some of the divisions in society today, and of getting the best out of the rich fabric of community life that exists in most parts of our country.

“We are now at a crossroads with some of the decisions that have to be taken about the future of the media, with the changes being brought about by new technology. If we take the right decisions, we will be able to strengthen our community media – but if we take the wrong ones, we will be giving even more power and influence to the few who already dominate the international media.

Read the speech in full >>>