Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
532. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the impact Covid-19 level 5 restrictions will have on advertising revenue for local newspapers; if her Department will consider developing a specific package of financial supports to address the particular and unique challenges faced by local print media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32827/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has put in place a range of supports for all businesses which are available to the print and online sectors during health restrictions imposed by Covid-19. The production and publication of newspapers, journals and periodicals and the distribution of those publications has been listed as an essential service.
The new Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, expanded the remit of the Public Service Broadcasting Commission to become the Future of Media Commission, tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. On 29 September 2020 the Government agreed the terms of reference and membership of the Future of Media Commission.
I look forward to receiving the Commission's Report on the completion of its work which will inform media policy including print media.
