Journalism is “the lifeblood of democracy” and editors should monitor their work and seek to be compensated as AI (artificial intelligence) technology continues to transform the economy and way of life, said the Prime Minister.

In an article marking the launch of the News Media Association’s Journalism Matters campaign, Sir Keir Starmer said the news media and creative sector are “at the heart of this government’s mission to drive economic growth” .

Sir Keir said his government would “always defend press freedom” – which would include tackling strategic prosecutions of public holdings (Slaps) deployed by the powerful to stop journalists publishing the truth – and warned that digital technology should not erode press freedom.

In his article, Sir Keir said: “Journalism is the lifeblood of democracy. Journalists are the guardians of democratic values. These simple facts are so ingrained in the fabric of our society that we often take them for granted.

He added: “There are over 900 local and national news titles in the UK. For all the doom and gloom prophecies about the future of information, this represents an extraordinary force. The UK news industry reaches more than 80% of the population.

“However, this vitality should not make us forget the challenges. And while, fortunately, there is no direct threat to press freedom in our country, we must remain vigilant so that the growing power of digital technology does not begin to undermine it. Especially as artificial intelligence begins to transform our economy and our way of life.

“Artificial intelligence and the creative industries – which include information and media – are at the heart of this government’s mission for economic growth.

“To find a balance in our industrial policy, we work closely with both sectors. We recognize the basic principle that publishers should control their work and seek to be compensated for it, including when it comes to the role of AI.

“Not only is this essential for a dynamic media landscape, in which the provision of reliable information by the sector is more vital than ever, but it is also relevant to our ongoing work to roll out the Act as quickly as possible. digital markets and consumers.

“This landmark legislation will help rebalance the relationship between platforms and those, like publishers, who depend on them.

“We also stand alongside journalists who face threats simply because they are doing their work. It is not because journalists are courageous that they should be intimidated.

“This goes for social media. The Online Safety Act will introduce new protections against abuse, while respecting recognized news publishers.
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“This applies to journalists across the world, where we will continue to use British soft power and diplomacy to defend journalistic freedoms. But the same goes for powerful people who use Slapps to intimidate journalists and distract them from pursuing the public interest.

“Such behavior is intolerable and we will fight against the use of Slapps to protect investigative journalism, as well as access to justice. Because it is a government that will always defend freedom of the press. We believe in being held accountable.

“I am determined to show that traditional British democratic values ​​are the only way to bring about the change that working people need – that is my political project in a nutshell.

“And there can be nothing more traditional, democratic or British than a free and robust press, which fearlessly holds the powerful to account. »

Led by the News Media Association (NMA) on behalf of the industry, Journalism Matters is a week-long campaign highlighting the role journalism plays in the UK. The campaign runs until Sunday.

In an article marking the launch of the campaign, NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said: “This week we celebrate Journalism Matters Week, dedicated to honoring the extraordinary work that British journalists do, day in and day out – shining a light on corruption, holding power to account and reporting from the corridors of Westminster to the war zones in Israel, Gaza and Ukraine, all in the public interest.

“For this vital part of our democracy to endure, the government must ensure a sustainable environment for our free press through measures such as defending press freedom as journalism faces a growing range of threats, including supporting our brilliant local news media that reach a wide audience. in print and digital, and maintaining our robust copyright regime to ensure that content creators control the use of their works as AI technology continues to develop.