Mayo TD calls for measures 'to strengthen sustainability' of local media outlets

A Mayo TD has called on the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport to consider measures to strengthen the sustainability of local and regional media outlets serving rural communities.

Deputy Keira Keogh stated: "Local and regional media plays a vital role in rural communities.

"However, they are facing rising costs as they continue to operate this crucial service. Especially concerning is the €3.7 million broadcast levy that has to be paid to Coimisiún na Meán by local radio stations.

"Will the Minister of State consider measures to strengthen the sustainability of local and regional media outlets?"

In response Minister Charlie McConalogue explained: "We are all agreed that local and regional media outlets play a vital role in providing high-quality public service content and in contributing to the diversity and plurality of trusted voices in our media sector, which greatly enhances democratic participation and also provides safeguards for our information space.

"The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill will provide for the establishment of a statutory media fund, which will provide a robust framework for supporting the wider media sector in the long term.

"A suite of funding schemes catering to all parts of the media sector currently operates on an administrative basis, pending the establishment of the statutory media fund.

"In January of this year, Coimisiún na Meán announced a total package of approximately €15 million in supports for the wider media sector in order to enhance the provision of public-interest journalism, to assist the modernisation of technology and to support the upskilling of staff within the sector.

"Almost €5.7 million of that was awarded under the local democracy and courts reporting schemes to enhance the vital role of media service providers in reporting on public interest matters.

"We saw €3.8 million awarded through the news reporting scheme this year to support the provision of additional high-quality news and current affairs coverage.

"There was €2.7 million was awarded through the digital transformation scheme providing vital support for media outlets to enhance their technological and digital infrastructure, as well as to provide training and upskilling opportunities for staff in the context of the increasingly digitalised media landscape we are now seeing.

"These supports are of particular important in rural areas where local, regional and community radio contributes significantly to the strength of communities and their access to trusted news.

"I welcome the Deputy Keogh raising its importance and her own strong commitment to seeing that public service in our regions, through our papers and our local radio, is very much supported."

Deputy Keogh said the €3.7 million broadcast levy that has to be paid to Coimisiún na Meán is €1 million more this year than it was last year, which is an average 39% increase.

"For some local radio stations that is translating to €14,000. That was communicated at really short notice and it did not give them a lot of time to put finances in place.

"When we look back, that has increased 69% over two years and local media outlets are a trusted source of news when there is so much misinformation and disinformation out there.

"Our constituents rely on them for updates on local issues, such as weather, community events, road conditions and other local notices, especially in Mayo."

Minister McConalogue stated that neither the government nor the relevant department plays a role in formulating or approving the proposed income or expenditure of Coimisiún na Meán or in setting the levy.

"The preparation of those annual estimates of income and expenditure under Section 26(1) of the Broadcasting Act requires Coimisiún na Meán to submit such estimates to the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.

"It is important to note that the minister does not approve or agree the actual estimates or the annual budget. The minister’s sole role is in conjunction with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to give an coimisiún consent for the publication of the budget on its website in accordance with Section 26(7) of the Act.

"That is the statutory position. I accept what Deputy Keogh is saying and there have been many representations and points made in relation to the budget, which no doubt will be considered by Coimisiún na Meán, but there is a statutory separation between the Government and the commission under the Act."

Deputy Keogh said she absolutely appreciates and values that separation between the Minister and Coimisiún na Meán.

"Given the shock that occurred across the county when that levy was announced, local radio stations in particular are struggling, and ahead of the approaching budget we should make sure they get as much support as possible.

"Older people in particular really rely on turning on that local radio station, getting the local update and hearing local voices. It is also vital, with some of the stations facing viability issues, that we consider local jobs.

"Many people start out in a local newspaper and then make it to sitting in the gallery here in Dáil Éireann. We have to make sure that these radio stations can continue."

Meanwhile, the local media is Mayo has been fighting a campaign to lift an reporting embargo imposed by the new Local Community Safety Partnership in respect of coverage of its meeting.

Elected members of Mayo County Council have adopted a motion calling on the partnership to remove the ban.