Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
263. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has received representations from small or local media outlets that claim they are not receiving a fair share of Government Covid-19 related advertising. [23147/21]
View answerI am aware of the impact of COVID-19 on the print and radio sectors and have engaged with representative bodies to hear their concerns. Officials in my Department have also received a number of representations on behalf of small or local media outlets relating to COVID-19 advertising.
I recognise the essential role of the local print media sector as the providers of reliable and relevant local news. The importance of a strong and independent media sector has been highlighted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The production and publication of newspapers, journals and periodicals and the distribution of those publications has been listed as an essential service.
I understand that COVID-19 related advertising by the Department of An Taoiseach and by the HSE has been significant across all media sectors. In addition, the Government has put in place a range of supports for all businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are available to local media outlets.
I will continue to engage with this important sector, particularly in the context of its wider, long term future, which is a core part of the deliberations of the Future of Media Commission. The Commission is due to report to Government in the coming months and I look forward to its deliberations and recommendations on how we might work to shape a vibrant national and local media sector in Ireland.
