‘Extreme legal hurdles’ facing UK media | New govt’s media freebies and payments
Plus we speak with the editor of an award-winning journalism experiment funded by a high-stakes poker player
Welcome to your daily newsletter from Press Gazette on Monday 15 July, 2024.
As Labour sets out its programme on Wednesday in the King's Speech we've taken a look at the Register of Members' Financial Interests to see what financial ties leading lights in the new Government have to the media.
There is not too much on the books, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy the biggest recipient of media money via his presenting work for LBC.
What we don't know are the meetings which have gone on between senior Labour figures and media executives in recent years because none have been disclosed (unlike during the era of previous Labour leader Ed Miliband).
Given the easy ride Labour got from The Sun during the election campaign, and the fact Labour actually spent money on digital advertising with the title, I would not be surprised at all if some cozying up has been going on behind the scenes.
We will find out how well disposed Labour is to the media on Wednesday. I'd be amazed if there is anything in the King's Speech about Section 40 and tougher press regulation (though I would not be surprised if this is resurrected by the Liberal Democrats or Labour backbenchers via an amendment to some related bill). I would hope that anti-SLAPP legislation is revived to protect publishers from expensive lawsuits designed to silence them.
Anything else media related will be a surprise given Labour's silence on media matters in its manifesto.
The need for action against SLAPPs was highlighted by Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC last week at the launch of the latest edition of media law bible McNae’s, where she warned of “extreme legal hurdles” facing the press doing investigative work in the UK.
Today we also take a closer look at US slow news start-up The Long Lead to find out how it has managed to win some major awards for its journalism without yet making any money. Its backers are hoping that if they build it (some great, in-depth journalism) the revenue will come. It will bode well for all of us if they are right.
Your news diary for the week ahead includes publication of the first part of the Covid Inquiry report on Thursday and, as former US president Trump recovers from an assassination attempt, incumbent Joe Biden has a packed schedule of appearances and an NBC interview (due to air tonight) as he tries to persuade America he still has all his marbles.
New from Press Gazette
UK media facing ‘extreme legal hurdles’, top lawyer warns
Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC praises recent investigations by the FT, Sunday Times and Evening Standard.
Media payments and freebies for Labour ministers: David Lammy tops the table
Lammy has banked more than £163,000 from Global since 2021 through the weekly show he previously hosted on Sunday mornings for LBC.
Inside Long Lead, the award-winning journalism bet made by a high-stakes poker player
“I want writers to know that they own their work if they work with us. And we promote the heck out of it, because we want everybody to see this great work that we’ve poured tonnes of resources into, but also we want to attract folks to the Long Lead.”
News diary 15 – 21 July: King’s Speech, first Covid inquiry report, Republicans nominate Trump
A look ahead at the key events leading the news agenda this week, from the team at Foresight News.
News in brief
LAist, a nonprofit newsroom that also houses Los Angeles radio station KPCC-FM, has cut 21 staff through layoffs and buyouts. The organisation earlier cut 12% of its workforce in June 2023. (Press Gazette)
Kirsty Wark hosted her last episode of Newsnight after more than 30 years on Friday. She had said in October she planned to step down after the election. (BBC News)
Reporters Without Borders has appointed Thibaut Bruttin as its new director general, replacing Christophe Deloire who died last month. Bruttin has worked at RSF since 2014 and been its deputy director general since 2021. (RSF)
Semafor reports that Daily Mail owner DMGT recently held talks about acquiring newsletter-led, women-focused digital media company The Skimm. Both companies declined to comment. (Semafor)
Keir Starmer said he is not planning any changes to the BBC licence fee, saying: "There’s going to be some more thought between now and [2027, when the latest deal ends], but we are committed to the BBC and we are committed to the licensing arrangements.” (BBC News)
Nigel Farage confirmed on Friday he will return from tomorrow to present his evening show on GB News after becoming an MP. Lee Anderson, his fellow Reform MP, is also returning to his Friday night show. (GB News)
The Telegraph reports that Sky News has cut freelance budgets for roles like producers and guest bookers, but a spokesperson for the broadcaster said: "Sky News spending is up 10% on last year." (The Telegraph)
The Big Issue and The Week Junior have collaborated on a "Pocket Money" supplement aimed at eight-to-14-year-olds that will appear in this week's editions of both magazines. Big Issue editor Paul McNamee said: "We know how learning financial literacy can have a life-changing impact bringing confidence and clarity."
Police have begun a new search looking for the remains of Muriel McKay, the wife of Rupert Murdoch's deputy who was kidnapped in 1969. The case has been re-explored in the BBC podcast Worse than Murder. (BBC News)
Previously on Press Gazette
Future of Media Awards shortlist 2024: ‘Lighting the way to sustainable future for journalism’
Telegraph sale: DMG Media blames ban on foreign investment as it exits race
News media job cuts 2024 tracked: Staff at CNN, LAist and BDG latest affected
‘Dismay’ at Standard over redundancy terms as daily print phased out
Top newsbrands for converting readers to subscribers revealed
Press Gazette live
Our flagship event the Future of Media Technology Conference and Awards takes place on 12 September on the Hilton Bankside hotel in London. It provides publishers with a masterclass on the big technology themes impacting our business and is also an unrivalled networking opportunity.
Full agenda and booking details here.
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