Sir Kier Starmer pledges to ‘free the BBC’ & oppose privatisation of Channel 4 should he become Prime Minister

Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer has pledged to ‘free the BBC’ and oppose the privatisation of Channel 4 should he become Prime Minister. In a piece written for Journalism Matters, Sir Kier criticises the Conservatives for a ‘shortsighted and disrespectful’ approach to local newspapers, after former leaders Theresa May and Boris Johnson were accused of shunning regional media during events around the country.

“Labour will take a different stance when it comes to national broadcasters and local newspapers,” he wrote. “The UK’s proud history of impartial journalism is being put under threat by the Tories’ politicisation of our media landscape. Their attacks on British news institutions are a stain on the fabric of British culture. My Labour government will free the BBC from party political meddling, and we oppose the privatisation of Channel 4.”

He also pledged to ‘level the playing field’ between big tech, such as social media companies like Facebook and Twitter, and local news organisations. News groups claim internet giants are taking away advertising from regional media companies, but using their content to fill news feeds and have urged successive governments to address the issue.

Sir Kier Starmer defends ‘responsible journalism’

Below is the full op ed for Journalism Matters by Sir Keir:

“Impartial, responsible journalism is a cornerstone for a healthy, secure democracy. It must be protected.