TDs urged to get behind newspapers campaign
ON THE day the ploughing was cancelled, stormy weather failed to deter newspaper editors from around the country making their way to Leinster House last week to brief members of the Oireachtas on the need for Budget 2019 to include supports for independent journalism in Ireland.
There were more TDs and Ministers packed into the AV room than in the Dáil chamber as Local Ireland, who represent regional newspapers, and NewsBrands Ireland made a joint presentation as part of the #JournalismMatters campaign which highlights the need to support Irish journalism, now more than ever.
The campaign calls on the Government to use Budget 2019 to deliver on a five-point-plan for the industry:
* Apply a 5% VAT rate to newspapers and digital products in Budget 2019, ahead of ultimately reducing to 0% once EU laws allow
* Reform Ireland’s draconian defamation laws to ensure that the stories that need to be told, are told
* Appoint a Minister for Media – a single member of the Cabinet should have oversight for all aspects of our complex media landscape
* Establish a News Publishers Media Fund – to drive innovation and investment
* Invest in a training support scheme for all journalists - #JournalismMatters
Among those in attendance at the briefing in Leinster House was Jim Hayes, editor at People Newspapers, representing the Wexford People, Wicklow People, New Ross Standard, Gorey Guardian, Enniscorthy Guardian, Bray People and County Wexford Reporter.
He stressed the importance of local newspapers in the community and the need for government support. ‘Our local papers have been delivering quality, trusted journalism for more than 150 years. We have been, and continue to be, an important part of the fabric of life in our towns and villages, both as a trusted source of local news and views, and as a jobs provider,’ he said.
‘The threat to local newspapers is a threat to both local democracy and the balanced, well researched news reporting of issues that matter to local communities.’
Frank Mulrennan, president of Local Ireland, said the loss would be great if local newspapers went under because of a lack of government support.
‘Aside from the loss to democratic life in our society, the losses will be big in many communities – jobs will go, not just in the newspaper titles, but many of the supporting ones in newsagents and other indirect jobs. Without strong and healthy local newspapers politicians will be challenged in maintaining engagement with the electorate because local newspapers reach at least 1.5 million people across Ireland each week.’
Wexford TDs Brendan Howlin and James Browne were among the members of the Oireachtas present at the briefing where TDs and senators received campaign material outlining the Journalism Matters five-point plan, as well as a breakdown of subsidies and low VAT rates supporting the newspaper industry in countries across Europe, illustrating how far Ireland is behind the curve in its supports.