Longford Senator suggests at least €10m needed in Budget for independent media sector

Significant funding must be forth coming in tomorrow’s Budget to help guarantee the future of Ireland’s local independent media, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Micheál Carrigy, Fine Gael General Election candidate for Longford-Westmeath and member of the Oireachtas Media Committee, said that the Government needs to invest at least €10m in the independent media sector, which is under immense pressures.

Senator Carrigy said: “Continuous cuts to advertising have been sustained by many good local newspapers and radio stations over the past number of years, drastically reducing their ability to provide a full news, sport and information service for communities across the country.

"Local media is the lifeblood of a community. It is an absolutely fundamental part of our democracy. It is essential we fund and protect it.

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“At least €5m is required to support the independent broadcasting sector if we’re to help local radio stations that provide such a vital service for the communities – and to many are a lifeline. In tandem with this, another €5 million must be provided for a media fund that supports local democracy.

“The growth of social media has resulted in a growing proportion of people, especially younger people, distancing themselves from their own local communities.

“The risk of people becoming isolated from the realities of their own area is growing, and many are already unaware of the various projects and schemes underway in their locality. Local broadcasting could engage with these people, informing them of the issues that affect them, and integrating them better into the area.

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“The potentially devastating effects of misinformation and disinformation on modern society is becoming increasingly clear. Media literacy campaigns could be utilised to warn of these dangers and the rise of AI generated content, as the technology advances at a rapid and concerning rate.

“Recent controversies at RTE have shone a light on importance of a national public service broadcasting and to the values that should be upheld, by both legislators and broadcasters. The same attention must be given to our independent local media. 

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“Providing a truthful, reliable, unbiased and balanced news and information service has never been more important and the Government needs not only preserve, but to enhance its contribution to education and democracy in our towns and villages around the country.”