Minister for Culture announces €10 million in funding for public interest journalism

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan has announced €10 million in funding to support public interest journalism.

In the announcement today, O'Donovan said the funding will be allocated to various sources in Coimisiún na Meán. The allocation is part of the ongoing Government scheme granted through Coimisiún na Meá aiming to support journalism about local authorities and courts.

€6 million, the largest portion, will go towards the continuation of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes to operate on a platform-neutral and contestable basis.

"[The allocation] will enable media outlets to further strengthen their coverage of local authorities and the Courts," O'Donovan said.

The allocation will also put €4 million towards the introduction of a News Reporting Scheme, which O'Donovan said "will enable media outlets to report on news topics that are not substantially covered at present."

Within the funding for the News Reporting Scheme, O'Donovan requested a ring-fenced budget of €3 million be allocated to commercial radio with the remaining €1 million distributed to the rest of the media sector.

"The allocation recognises the important role of commercial radio services in providing high-quality, trustworthy and accurate news to the public," said O'Donovan of the radio funding.

"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."

O'Donovan added that the allocation is in line with the Programme for Government's promise to provide financial support for news media and will complement the ongoing Sound and Vision Scheme's support for commercial radio.