Protecting the News: Civil Society and the Media

The production and circulation of independent, quality news is a hallmark of democratic societies. The demise of traditional media business models in the UK and Ireland 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 is a significant threat to pluralism in the media. Protecting and enhancing a diversity of viewpoints is becoming ever more vital and civil society has a crucial role to play. This report, written by Goldsmiths Leverhulme Media Research Centre, provides a series of recommendations for civil society associations, media industries and policy-makers to help achieve this goal.