Communications Minister announces €10m in funding for public interest journalism
Speaking about the announcement, Mr O'Donovan, said: 'Building on the success of Round 1 of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes, I am pleased to announce the allocation to Coimisiún na Meán of a further €6m for the continuation of these Schemes, which will enable media outlets to further strengthen their coverage of local authorities and the Courts.
In addition to the €6 million announced, another €4 million is also to be invested in areas where some news stories are underreported, €3 million of which will be ring-fenced for commercial radio under the News Reporting Scheme.
The €3 million ring-fenced funding will enable commercial radio services to provide additional high-quality news reporting on matters of public interest.
'I am pleased to announce a specific allocation of €3m to the commercial radio sector through the News Reporting Scheme,' Mr O'Donovan said.
"The allocation recognises the important role of commercial radio services in providing high-quality, trustworthy and accurate news to the public.
'This allocation is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to provide accessible funding to support the provision of objective news and current affairs content and will complement the ongoing supports already provided to the commercial radio sector through the Sound and Vision Scheme.
'Commercial radio stations play an invaluable role in community engagement, cohesion and the promotion of social inclusion across the country and provide a crucial public service in the delivery of trusted information to our citizens.
"The funding will enhance the provision of high-quality public service content to both local and national audiences.'
This year, Mediahuis Ireland, which publishes the Irish Independent, Sunday Independent and 11 regional titles, has benefited from the scheme operated by the media regulator and has hired more than a dozen reporters around the country focused on local democracy and courts reporting.
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