IRISH JOURNALISM ‘AT A CROSSROADS’

THE country’s newspapers unite this week to call on the Government to safeguard Irish journalism.

Journalism Matters Week will see ads in every national and local newspaper in the country asking readers to imagine what the world would be like without quality journalism.

The new campaign, with the hashtag #JournalismMatters, is seeking a series of measures to protect journalism, including a demand to reduce the VAT placed on newspapers and digital media to 5%. The current rate of 9% is among the highest in Europe.

The campaign is pushing for this VAT cut to come in the upcoming Budget.

It is also calling for the State’s defamation laws to be reformed to allow journalists to share important information without fear of excessive payouts. The group also wants a News Publishers Media Fund to encourage innovation and a separate Government Department of Media.

It also wants a training support scheme for journalists.

During Journalism Matters Week, national and local newspapers will publish a series of editorials highlighting the importance of independent journalism in a strong democracy.

A series of videos highlighting the role journalism has played in revealing stories of public interest will also be released. The video series features 15 examples of outstanding public interest journalism which have effected real change in society.

NewsBrands and Local Ireland, the representative bodies for the country’s papers, will lead the campaign.

Vincent Crowley, chairman of Newsbrands Ireland, said the Government must act now to safeguard the future of ‘independent journalism that has been a bedrock of Irish democracy’.

‘The forthcoming Budget gives this Government the opportunity to send a strong message that it appreciates a vibrant news media industry in this country and is seeking ways to protect it for future generations,’ he said.

‘The future of Irish journalism is at a crossroads and Government inaction now is simply not an option.’

Frank Mulrennan, president of Local Ireland, said: ‘Aside from the loss to democratic life, the losses will be big in many communities – jobs will go, not just in the newspaper titles, but many of the supporting ones.’