Prime Minister Andy Burnham has backed this year's Journalism Matters campaign, describing journalism as part of the national infrastructure of a healthy country and democracy. The campaign, coordinated by the News Media Association, runs from 2 to 8 November 2026.

In an article launching the campaign, Mr Burnham said local reporters are the people sitting in council chambers, courts and planning meetings, asking the questions that need to be asked. He said journalism holds power to account, strengthens resilience and connects people to the places they call home, and argued that local news media is critical to the success of the government's devolution agenda.

Industry calls for practical action

News Media Association chief executive Theo Bamber welcomed the prime minister's support but called for practical action to back it up. The campaign brings the news industry together to celebrate the role journalism plays in underpinning national infrastructure, pointing to a UNESCO report published earlier this year that found economic and security benefits in countries with an ecosystem supporting an independent free press.

Journalism Matters is the news industry's annual campaign highlighting the value of journalism to democracy, accountability and community life. This year's campaign also coincides with a separate advertising industry initiative, #AskForNews, urging marketers to reconsider avoiding news environments when planning campaigns.

Sources: News Media Association; Press Association reports, 2 November 2026.