THREE POINT PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM IN IRELAND Many other countries actively support their independent journalism. The UK does. Denmark does. France does. And many more. Ireland does not have to be different. In Ireland there are lots of practical things we can do to support independent journalism. Reduce VAT – in Budget 2020 the government should apply a 5% VAT 1 rate to newspapers and digital news products. Ultimately reduce VAT to 0% as is the case in Britain and other EU countries. Complete the long-overdue Review of the Defamation Act and reform 2 Ireland’s draconian defamation laws to ensure that the stories that need to be told, are told. Extend the brief of the Minister for Communications to include all media, not just the broadcast sector, ensuring the Minister has full oversight of 3 our complex media landscape and public service journalism is supported across all media. How you can support independent journalism If you want to support our campaign: Contact your local TD and tell him or her you want measures to support independent journalism Tweet your support at #journalismmatters Follow us @newsbrandsirl for updates LOCAL IRELAND YOUR LOCAL NEWS | PRINT | ONLINE | MOBILE A national audience delivered locally www.newsbrands.ie www.localireland.info Ann Marie Lenihan Johnny O’Hanlon LOCAL IRELAND CEO NewsBrands Ireland Director Local Ireland YOUR LOCAL NEWS | PRINT | ONLINE | MOBILE E: [email protected] E: [email protected] A national audience delivered locally Journalism in Ireland is rich and diverse. It has a powerful legacy of storytelling and engagement in communities across Ireland. We are working to ensure great Irish journalism has a vibrant future. have access to information produced Strong independent by professional journalists, it is more important than ever that the Government €515m Circa €515m to Ireland’s GDP* journalism matters. demonstrates its commitment to the value of quality, legacy journalism and the public €135m Circa €135m in exchequer revenues* service role played by news publishers. In Good journalism challenges the powerful, a future where independent journalism 4,600 4,600 jobs (direct & indirect) questions the state and debates the ideas is threatened, it is legitimate to ask who and decisions that influence our society. will report on the courts, the Oireachtas, 45 45 locations across the country local and national sporting events, raise In recent years we have seen examples of awareness of societal issues, campaign for 140m 140m national newspapers sold (2018) outstanding public interest journalism change, and expose criminal activity? which have affected real change in society: 18m from recent investigative journalism which If newspapers were to disappear so too 18m local and regional newspapers sold (2018) uncovered wrongdoing or illegal activity, would much of Irish online news, and with to campaigning journalism which achieved 20% 20% revenue of local shops from newspaper sales it many stories that need to be told. tangible results, to the reporting of issues or stories which changed the public discourse €20m €20m VAT and narrative. Figures Key Irish journalism is at a crossroads. independent verification - subject to * Estimates Doing nothing is not €58m €58m annual margin value to retailers from national and local newspaper sales But strong independent an option. journalism is under threat. It is crucial, we believe, that policy makers In the current media landscape, publishers recognise the sense of urgency and action • Irish Independent • The Herald • The Irish Mail on Sunday • The Irish Sun are struggling to monetise content that is required to support the future • Irish Examiner • Sunday Independent • Irish Farmers Journal • Irish Sunday Mirror adequately while international technology sustainability of the sector, which makes • The Irish Times • Sunday World • Irish Daily Mail • The Sunday Times giants, who do not invest in content a hugely valuable social and economic • Irish Daily Star • The Sunday Business Post • Irish Daily Mirror • The Irish Sun on Sunday creation, absorb a disproportionate share contribution to the country and its citizens. of advertising revenue on the back of the We need to protect journalism because content created by our news publishers. democracy is about voters making an informed choice at the ballot box. And LOCAL Outdated defamation laws, high taxes, and that can only happen if there are credible IRELAND YOUR LOCAL NEWS | PRINT | ONLINE | MOBILE the dominance of certain online platforms sources of news, where information is A national audience delivered locally are not just biting into the Irish news factual, trustworthy and accurate. publishing industry’s margins, they are Other countries have taken steps to • The Anglo Celt • Dundalk Democrat • Longford Leader • Tipperary Star restricting our industry’s ability to invest in support their news publishing industries • Bray People • Kildare Nationalist • Mayo News • Tuam Herald producing quality journalism. and many countries, including the UK, are • The Clare Champion • The Kerryman • Meath Chronicle • Westmeath Examiner also conducting investigations into the • Connaught Telegraph • The Corkman • Munster Express • The Westmeath Independent The growth of ‘fake news’ and impact of the dominance of certain online • Connacht Tribune • Kilkenny People • Nationalist Clonmel • The County Wexford Reporter ‘misinformation’ raises serious concerns platforms. • Donegal Democrat • Laois Nationalist • Nenagh Guardian • Galway City Tribune about where we can source truthful, • Donegal Peoples Press • Leinster Express • Northern Standard • Western People accurate accounts on all the issues that • Donegal News • Leitrim Observer • Wexford People • Roscommon Herald Ireland too can take practical steps • Drogheda Independent • Leinster Leader • Wicklow People • Waterford News & Star shape our lives. At a time when there to ensure a sustainable future for • Fingal Independent • Limerick Leader • Sligo Champion • Nationalist & Leinster Times is an even greater need for citizens to journalism in Ireland. • The Argus • Limerick Chronicle • Southern Star.