Local news publishers urge more support from government

There was a huge turnout of TDs and Senators for an Oireachtas briefing by local and national news publishers at Leinster House.

The event last week highlighted the challenges and opportunities for journalism and the need for Government support.

Bob Hughes, Executive Director of Local Ireland, which represents local news publishers around the country, said the industry still faces an existential crisis but would be sustainable with the right supports.

He said: “We have never had so many readers thanks to digital and our online platforms, but our traditional revenue sources, which still make local journalism viable, are very challenged.

“We are grateful for the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes that have been launched by Coimisiún na Meán but we need the schemes to be continued and more schemes to be put in place. The funding for the schemes also needs to be put on a statutory basis.”

Mr Hughes called for local news publishers to receive a fair share of public information advertising from Government departments, state agencies and local councils.

He added: “This is taxpayers’ money. It should be distributed fairly to trusted and professional media outlets. The European Media Freedom Act needs to be implemented so that there will be complete transparency about where this money is being allocated.

“The Future of Media Commission recognised that our work is vital for our communities and our democracy. No local news publisher should be left behind in the dissemination of public information.”

Managing Editor of the Anglo-Celt Linda O’Reilly, representing local editors, told the meeting: “Today we have six full-time people in editorial and a smaller pool of freelancers in the Celt. With less resources we have to get the paper out, keep the website updated and feed our social media channels. News is 24/7 and we are never switched off. It’s tough and an ongoing challenge.

“Your support through the local democracy and court reporting schemes means that we have just hired two new reporters and an additional freelancer. What that means for The Anglo-Celt is that we will be able to continue to dedicate human resources to public service journalism – the courts and councils – and enhance that coverage. We are also getting ready to launch a new series of podcasts and are working on video projects. That’s good news for us, for you and for our readers.”

Highlighting some challenges and opportunities for the industry including recruitment and training and artificial intelligence, Ms O'Reilly also read a selection of letters, emails and thank you cards from readers of the Celt to demonstrate what local news papers and publishers mean to people in the communities they serve.

Concluding she said: "My pledge to you is this: We will always ask hard questions and I am sure you will all [politicians], also keep us on our toes.

"With your continued support, just as the Celt published in 1846, we will still be publishing in 2046 and beyond. Whatever the platform, we will remain the clear independent voice of reason in an increasingly noisy multimedia space – a source you can depend on and trust."

The briefing included an address by the Chair of NewsBrands and Operations Director of the Farmers Journal, Sammi Bourke, on the importance of future proofing journalism, and a panel discussion hosted by the editor of the Business Post, Danny McConnell. The panel included CEO of Celtic Media Group Frank Mulrennan, CEO of DMG Media Paul Henderson and Managing Director of the Irish Times Group, Deirdre Veldon.

Referring to Government advertising, Mr Mulrennan told the meeting: “There is a disconnect because on one hand we have the Government spending taxpayers’ money supporting these Coimisiún na Meán schemes, while, on the other, Government departments are not allocating a fair share of advertising to local publishers, often spending with online platforms and other media of lesser relevance.

“For example in the last Government, the department whose advertising agency initially allocated funding for the Mother and Baby Homes Consultation managed not to include The Tuam Herald!”

President of Local Ireland and Head of Irish Times Regionals, Dan Linehan, said after the meeting: “There was a great turnout of public representatives at the briefing. We now need our politicians to actively support us so that we can continue to deliver trusted journalism to our readers both in print and online.”