The Newspaper Society has offered its support to the alternative royal charter created by the industry to underpin a new system of UK press regulation.
Society president Adrian Jeakings said: “Any system of voluntary self-regulation by definition requires the support of the industry coming together to be regulated.
“We in the regional and local press believe this is vital if we are to maintain a free press in this country with the ability to hold authority to account the message of Local Newspaper Week coming up next week.
“Local newspaper publishers have been fully involved in drawing up the independent royal charter proposal and fully support it.”
Last week, the UK Government said it would delay the presentation of its proposed royal charter to the Privy Council.
It had been due to be presented to the Queen by the Lord President of the Privy Council, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, for approval on May 15.
Downing Street said it had been put back to give more time for consideration of the alternative charter.
The industry argues its proposals would meet the recommendations of the Leveson report and would impose the most rigorous system of press regulation in the Western world, while keeping newspapers and magazines free from state-sponsored controls and the interference of politicians.