Burnley & Padiham's Member of Parliament welcomed Burnley Express reporter Sue Plunkett down to Westminster, in order for them both to attend a special reception at 10 Downing Street recognising the contribution of local journalism, and the journalists who keep it vibrant.
The Burnley Express is the most read news website, and physical newspaper, in the Burnley borough and anyone who has read it will have seen Sue's work. Like the rest of the Burnley Express team, she is local and cares enormously about the area, going out of her way to find stories about people and communities.
Speaking about why he nominated Sue, Antony said:
"It's easy to take local news and local journalism for granted. It's one of those things that people think will always be there. But in lots of places across the country their local papers have already closed down. In Burnley we're fortunate that we still have the Burnley Express as our local paper - keeping us updated on everything from what's going on at the football club, to the brilliant work of local charities and businesses. And unlike the big national media companies, this is run by a small but dedicated group of people who love everything about Burnley - and Sue really does epitomise that. I was delighted to nominate her and I want to say a huge thank you to the whole Burnley Express team."
"Keep up the good work and to everyone else, please, support our local paper!"
The reception was hosted by The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Speaking afterwards she said:
"Local journalism helps local areas stay connected, generates local pride and keeps communities engaged in local issues. Local journalists capture the heart of our communities and make sure politicians are doing their jobs better by holding them to account.
It was wonderful to joined by local journalist across the country in Downing Street last week - from community news sites, radio shows and free sheets - to thank them for their work to keep communities connected."
