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Departmental Reports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021

Thursday, 11 November 2021

Questions (249)

Alan Dillon

Question:

249. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the report from the Future of Media Commission; when it is likely to be published; if details will be provided on the supports being put in place for local media and particularly local print media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55197/21]

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Written answers

The local media sector has faced a fall in revenue arising from the pandemic, but also faces longer term challenges as a result of changing patterns of media consumption, technology and shifts in advertising revenue to online services.  I recognise the essential role that the local media plays and the particular value of local and regional newspapers, in sharing reliable and relevant local news and bringing communities together.

In terms of supports for the local print sector, I understand that at least €4.4 million was spent by Government on regional and local print advertising from March 2020 to April 2021.  Recently, my Department's campaign for Cruinniú na nÓg included a spend of €187,000 on local print advertising.

Since I assumed formal responsibility for the media sector in September 2020, I have met key stakeholders including NewsBrands, Local Ireland and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).  In relation to the local radio sector, I have received quarterly reports from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, analysing how COVID-19 has affected Independent Radio.  My officials continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in order to explore the issues arising and build an understanding of the range of challenges facing the sector.

The Future of Media Commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, held its inaugural meeting on 29 October 2020.  It was tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. The future of local media and local print media fell within its remit.

The Commission engaged comprehensively with stakeholders, including broadcasters, journalists, publishers, regional media and the wider public. The first phase of the Future of Media Commission public consultation, which ran from December 12th 2020 to January 8th 2021, resulted in over 800 written submissions from stakeholder groups and the general public on a wide range of themes, including many submissions from local media organisations.

At the end of January 2021, the Commission began a series of thematic dialogues through online webinars in which panels of experts explored key themes in more depth and answered follow-up questions from the virtual audience and the Commission members.  Local Media played an active part in these dialogues. 

The work of the Future of Media Commission has now been completed.  The report of the Commission has been submitted to An Taoiseach and myself and we are currently considering its contents in advance of bringing the matter to Government., after which the report will be published.

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