BBC Local journalists agree end to cuts dispute | PR-led local 'news sites' promote paid content
And IPSO rejects complaints from Prince Harry's army instructor
Good morning and welcome to your daily media news briefing on Tuesday, 14 November, brought to you today in association with Vindicia. An informative white paper from leading research and advisory firm Ventana Research is now available to download for free from Vindicia.
Breaking news as we’re sending this newsletter: there’s been a resolution to the months-long dispute between BBC local journalists and management over cuts to local radio.
It’s not yet clear exactly what has changed in the latest offer from management, but it’s been accepted and what has been a time of unhappy uncertainty for many can now move into a new, hopefully more productive stage. Read the full story here (to be updated later if the BBC sheds any light on their offer).
Also in the world of local news, we have the results of an investigation from Will Dunn at our sister title The New Statesman. He discovered a murky world of paid-for advertising not being disclosed as such on a network of websites purporting to be independent local news providers.
On a much bigger scale – we’re talking billions of dollars – new research has tried to put a number on what news publishers might be owed by Google and Meta if legislation forcing payments goes ahead.
And finally, Reach wins out after Prince Harry’s former army instructor took issue with how his interview with the Sunday Mirror was portrayed. There’s an interesting line from IPSO about the use of single quote marks and what they can mean if it’s not a direct quote.
Jobs of the week
The BBC is hiring an assistant producer (Belfast)
News UK is looking for a weekend video news producer (London)
More media jobs from Press Gazette powered by Amply here
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New from Press Gazette
Network of PR-led UK local news websites used to promote paid-for content
A promotional email from PR Fire noted that stories it places on one site, Business Manchester, will receive “Guaranteed syndication to Google News, MarketWatch, Reuters, DowJones & LexisNexis”.
BBC journalists vote to end months-long dispute over local cuts
Some 70% of BBC Local NUJ members who voted chose to accept a new offer from the BBC.
Google and Meta could owe US news publishers $14bn a year under planned law, research estimates
Google argued the research is based on "inaccurate assumptions, debunked data, and basic errors".
Prince Harry army instructor loses IPSO bid against Spare ‘complete fantasy’ claim on Reach sites
Sergeant Major Michael Booley argued that a Sunday Mirror had reported a quote that he was “staggered… In shock even” in a misleading way, as he was shocked to be mentioned and complimented in the book, not at any alleged inaccuracies.
News in brief
News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson has said the company is in "advanced discussions" about the licensing of its content for generative AI engines, with "significant revenue" expected. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Campaign group Movement for an Open Web has filed a complaint with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority over an allegation Google has breached commitments by rolling out a "self-preferencing technology" as part of its post third-party cookie Privacy Sandbox ad platform.
A commission of journalism organisations initiated by RSF and chaired by Nobel-winning Maria Ressa has published a charter on AI with ten principles for safeguarding the integrity of news and information. (RSF)
The Associated Press has launched reader donations, telling readers: "Your donation will help The Associated Press continue its mission to advance the power of fact-based journalism". (AP)
A group of 11 news organisations including the BBC, AP, CNN and Sky News have sent a letter to Israel and Egypt asking them to allow international journalists into the Gaza Strip. (CNN)
A former Fox News reporter who was working in the US Capitol when it was stormed during the 6 January insurrection is suing the network, saying he was fired for speaking out against false coverage of the election and the riot. (The New York Times)
Podcast 59: From subscriptions to membership at Elle UK
Elle UK editor Kenya Hunt talks to Press Gazette about why she hopes readers will pay £150 a year to become fashion industry insiders as members of Elle Collective.
She also talks about the future of magazines, diversity and why magazine editors have a duty to present images of female beauty responsibly.
Previously on Press Gazette
High Court backs journalist after Official Secrets Act seizure of devices and documents
Daily Mail fails in bid to stop Prince Harry illegal newsgathering legal claim
Comment: To reach Gen Z legacy media must first stop misrepresenting them
Reach redundancies: Company rejects report it will replace journalists with influencers
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