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<p>The government recognises the vital role of independent community newspapers in
supporting particular groups and isolated individuals by ensuring the provision of
reliable, high-quality information throughout the current pandemic. Safeguarding the
UK’s news media at this time of financial instability is a key priority for the government
and we are in regular dialogue with publishers to ensure that our response to the
challenges they are facing is as effective as it can be.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>To
date, the government has issued guidance to local authorities on the importance of
newspaper delivery, which has been critical to ensuring the continued dissemination
of printed public interest news. We have also clarified that journalists and other
ancillary staff are ‘key workers’ for the purposes of access to childcare and educational
places.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The government has sought to maximise advertising
opportunities for the news publishing sector through a public information campaign
across many national and local titles. The current partnership brings together over
600 national, regional and local titles across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland to reach 49 million people a month. All titles utilised in the campaign have
been selected by our media planning and buying agency, OmniGOV. As with any media
planning approach, titles are selected on their ability to engage with audiences and
to ensure value for money, reach and targeting efficacy. The vast majority of titles
are local papers and additional titles have been selected in order to further reach
priority audiences including BAME and older men. In parallel, we have taken steps
to ensure the use of ‘keyword blocklisting’ technology does not inadvertently damage
news publishers’ online advertising revenues for Covid-19 related stories. Dialogue
with the relevant technology companies has helped to protect publishers against the
ad-blocking of coronavirus-related terms.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Most recently,
the Chancellor also brought forward the zero rating of VAT on all e-publications to
the 1st May - seven months ahead of schedule. The government expects the tax relief
to be passed on to consumers in the form of reduced prices, and publishers should
benefit from increased sales. Independent publishers may also benefit from several
measures included in our unprecedented business support package, such as the Coronavirus
Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Job Retention Scheme, Bounce Back Loans, VAT deferrals,
and coverage of statutory sick pay costs.</p><p> </p><p>The government will continue
to consider all possible options in the interests of promoting and sustaining high-quality
news journalism. Never have the activities of journalists been more popular and critical;
providing quality news to all, including those self-isolating, and binding communities
together, a fundamental function of our modern day democracy.</p><p> </p>
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