Today (3 December 2025), Luke Myer MP spoke in Parliament to celebrate the past and present of Teesside’s local journalism, paying tribute to community outlets that continue to give people a voice and keep democracy rooted in everyday life.
Luke highlighted longstanding local publications including Talk of the Town in Loftus, Greater Nunthorpe News in Nunthorpe and the much-loved Coastal View & Moor News, run for 14 years by Lynne & Steve Nicholls – describing them as examples of the civic pride and community spirit that define East Cleveland.
“They celebrated our area’s achievements, campaigned on our local fights and gave communities across East Cleveland a voice of our own. “
He drew a line from those outlets back to the newspapers of Teesside’s campaigning Chartist movement in the 1800s, where historic newspapers like the Cleveland News & Stokesley Reporter empowered ordinary people in the region.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts, Ian Murray MP, joined Luke in praising the same local titles during the debate, calling local journalism “vital” in providing trustworthy public-interest reporting and helping communities stay informed, cohesive and confident. He confirmed the Government will shortly publish a Local Media Strategy to strengthen local newsrooms.
Luke welcomed the cross-party recognition of local journalism’s value, noting that strong community reporting underpins scrutiny, debate and local identity at a time when other sources of news are increasingly fragmented.
Luke Myer MP said:
“Our local community newspapers are part of who we are – telling our stories, celebrating our achievements and giving people a voice.
I’m determined to see them thrive for the next generation.”