UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has called for government support for a fairer media landscape and policies that reinforce the value of “good, peer-reviewed journalism” as a reliable source of news over “unchecked, artificially-generated stories.”
Speaking at the News Media Association’s parliamentary reception during Journalism Matters week, Nandy emphasized that the government is committed to a “level playing field” for local media, whose role is crucial in the UK’s democracy.
Nandy’s comments add to the growing government recognition of the challenges that artificial intelligence (AI) presents to the news industry. Echoing previous support from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth Stephanie Peacock, she stressed that high-quality journalism, rather than algorithmic content, should remain at the heart of the UK’s media ecosystem.
Both Prime Minister Starmer and Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth Peacock recently noted the importance of publisher rights and called for fair compensation for journalistic content used by AI platforms.
Furthermore, Nandy highlighted the need to bolster protections for local journalists. During recent riots, she said, while national media often focused on disruptive incidents, local reporters “busted myths and told the story of community responses” by providing balanced coverage of solidarity effort, Such examples underscore the critical role local media plays in accurately representing community voices—a role that automated content cannot replicate.
Nandy’s remarks resonate with the News Media Coalition’s (NMC) mission to champion Primary Source Journalism (PSJ)—the direct, on-the-ground reporting that serves as the foundation of an informed society. According to Nandy, “peer-reviewed journalism” offers a critical distinction from automated content, maintaining a level of accuracy and public accountability essential to democratic society
Shadow Culture Secretary Julia Lopez, also present at the event, added her support, calling for policies that address both the national and local impacts of AI on journalism. As digital content continues to expand, Lopez highlighted the importance of “truthful reporting” to foster trust within a democratic society.