Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Charlie Elphicke (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 29 November 2010 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Local Media

Question: Many local newspapers have struggled with the recession, but the East Kent Mercury and the Dover Express in my constituency have done really well. Do Ministers think it right to praise successful local newspaper groups?

Answer: Yes, especially when they are in one's own constituency. My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The best way in which we can help local newspaper groups is by making it commercially viable for them to turn into multi-media operations which offer their news product over radio, television, iPods, iPads and mobiles. I do not know what the broadcast footprint of Dover television might be, but I have no doubt that it would extend my hon. Friend's reputation as a campaigning Member of Parliament across the channel to the north coast of France.

Secondary information