Provincial papers ‘gravely concerned’ about local radio

October 1983

The Provincial Newspapers Association of Ireland has expressed grave concern about how they can survive the substantial loss in advertising revenue which, they say, local radio will cause.

The concern is expressed in a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the proposed legislation on local radio.

For 100 years, say the ASsociation, the provincial press has sustained the structures of social order, given fair voice to all democratic elements and has been the champion of progress through order. It has done this from its own resources, without subvention.

But now, say the Association, the provincial newspapers are gravely concerned about how they can survive the loss in advertising revenue local radio will bring.

The submission goes on: ‘the local radio station from itself in all other aspects of business and commerce, such as the publication of magazines or newspapers. Counter action by provincial newspapers, even in vital self-defence, is prohibited.

‘Loss of employment for printers, journalists and many other trained and experienced personnel will follow and it will be impossible for those so forced into unemployment to obtain jobs in their area.

‘When local radio was first envisaged, all parties looked to the English experience to provide a model. English experience with regard to the effect that local radio has had on local newspaper advertising was quoted. This is not valid as there is no national commercial radio network in Britain. There are two in Ireland. Consequently, national advertising in local radio in Ireland will be minimal.’