Social media now main local news source | Family courts open justice win
And legal experts say New York Times beef with OpenAI has merit
Good morning and welcome to your daily helping of news about the world of news from Press Gazette on Friday, 12 January, brought to you in association with enterprise WordPress agency Big Bite. Their latest virtual event, WordPress for Enterprise, will take place on January 18th 2024, and is now open for registration.
The good news is that 92% of Britons follow local news/information, with weather and current affairs coming out on top.
This is according to an Ofcom survey based on 2,778 respondents.
The bad news for publishers is, looking at those who access local news, social media is their most popular source. TV is a close second and websites/apps of local newspapers online are used by just 32% of Britons. Actual printed local newspapers are cited as a source by 22%.
It's a survey laying out Hobson's choice facing local news publishers. They need to be active on social media platforms like Facebook, because that's where the audience is. But by doing so they hasten their own demise in a way by giving the platform quality content, because Facebook is gobbling up their advertising revenue.
The survey also sets out neatly the need for proper regulation to ensure that future generations get access to quality local news. Most are now getting their information from the likes of Facebook, an alarming prospect to anyone who cares about the role of journalism in a democracy.
In more encouraging news, a major expansion of the pilot scheme allowing journalists wider access to family courts has been announced. From January a further 16 family courts will allow journalists more freedom to report on their goings-on (expanded from three in the pilot scheme).
Theoretically, it means more open transparency around bodies which have the power to take children away from their parents. In reality, there simply aren't the reporters out there to provide an effective watchdog role on these courts (see above!).
And finally, The New York Times legal action against OpenAI could have a huge impact on the future of quality journalism in the online age (and on the survival of quality local news). The incentive for producing original content will be massively diminished if tech platforms are allowed to freely pillage and re-use original journalism.
Jobs of the week:
Lockheed Martin - Graphic Artist/ Media Specialist, Leemore (California)
Autodesk - Social Media Content Producer, San Franciso
Promoted event
The 'WordPress for Enterprise' event aims to highlight the power of the open-source platform and how global organisations are utilising it to achieve great things.
With speakers from a number of high-profile companies including The Times, PMC, and Google, the audience will hear how WordPress has enabled enterprise brands to do incredible things on the web, driving engagement and increasing revenue. There will also be a discussion on the recently published State of Enterprise WordPress research project, spearheaded by Big Bite, with explorations of how enterprise WordPress users view the platform.
New from Press Gazette
Two-thirds of Brits follow local news, mostly via social media and TV
In-depth survey reveals the extent to which tech platforms have ousted publishers as a source of local news.
Journalists gain access to 16 more family courts in major boost to open justice
Journalists will have wider discretion to report what they witness at family courts.
Legal experts say OpenAI has ‘case to answer’ in showdown with New York Times
“Given the assertions and evidence given by The New York Times, it’s likely that the case has merit.”
Podcast 63: Political reporting in an election year with Chris Hope and Gloria De Piero
In the latest episode, Press Gazette editor-in-chief Dominic Ponsford met GB News presenting duo Gloria De Piero and Christopher Hope. They spoke about their new weekly show, PMQs Live, the future of political reporting in an election year and why they think GB News is striking a chord with viewers by offering them more of what they want.
News in brief
A TalkTV exchange between Julia Hartley-Brewer and Palestinian politician Dr Mustafa Barghouti has generated more than 15,000 complaints to Ofcom - almost double the number made in response to Laurence Fox's comments about journalist Ava Evans last year. (Broadcast)
CNN, Fox Corp and Time are reportedly among "dozens" of publishers now negotiating for licensing deals with OpenAI. OpenAI added that it is also talking to the News/Media Alliance “to explore opportunities, discuss their concerns, and provide solutions”. (Bloomberg)
Despite advertising revenue of $3.8m last year, an investor deck for The Messenger shows the "Washington Post-Daily Mail hybrid" is forecasting ad revenue of $55m in 2024. The start-up is currently seeking $20m in fresh investment to keep afloat. (CNBC)
Axel Springer has reportedly paid out €750m in dividends in the past four years - including €125m in March last year shortly before the company began a belt-tightening programme. (FT)
Tindle Newspapers CEO Danny Cammiade has taken over from Reach's Jim Mullen as News Media Association chairman. He called for the Digital Markets Bill and Media Bill to be "delivered as quickly as possible to help build a sustainable future for journalism". (NMA)
Digiday Media's founding CEO Nick Friese is moving to the role of chairman, with COO David Amrani named as his successor. Friese said they are "geared up for continued expansion as we usher in the next era of digital business". (Glossy)
Outgoing Los Angeles Times editor Kevin Merida's decision to stop journalists who signed a letter condemning Israel's actions in Gaza from reporting on the conflict, plus 2024 budget disagreements, reportedly led to clashes with its proprietor Patrick Soon-Shiong before his exit. (New York Times)
Carol Vorderman is joining LBC to host the 4-7pm Sunday slot. She said: "More than ever, live radio is an incredibly important platform for news.... And what a year 2024 is going to be for news and politics!" (LBC)
The news research department at The Washington Post has been particularly hit by recent staff buyouts, with three experienced researchers leaving and three left. Staff say it has "left us at a real disadvantage both in experience and sheer numbers". (Vanity Fair)
The Lib Dems have asked Ofcom to investigate GB News after its leader Ed Davey was criticised on-air for alleged involvement in the Post Office scandal. The party claimed the broadcasts were inaccurate and said it was not offered a right of reply. (Guardian)
South Wales Argus editor Gavin Thompson says potential change so Welsh local councils no longer have to publish a notice in the local paper when they change council tax rates poses threat to viability of titles - especially if other public notices follow. (South Wales Argus)
The Blackpool Lead launched yesterday. It's the first of ten local weekly newsletters coming in Northern towns and promises an in-depth feature or investigation each week plus what's on recommendations. (The Lead)
Previously on Press Gazette
Joint editor-in-chief of Women’s and Men’s Health UK explains new membership focus for brands
DC Thomson revenue flat year on year but investments decline fuels £162m loss
Threads vs Bluesky: Meta’s Twitter rival appears to be winning with publishers
News media trends for 2024: AI, Whatsapp, newsletters and video among focus areas
Attention to Post Office Horizon IT scandal follows 14 years of dogged journalism
Newsflation: UK national newspaper cover prices up 13% in past year
