Ms Siobhán Holliman:

As others have noted, there is considerable pressure on the local media in the community radio, independent radio, and local and regional newspaper sectors. We have heard considerable inputs from them during our work. The sector is extremely fragile at the moment, as the committee will be aware. The pandemic has heightened its reliance on its advertising income. We are very much aware that circulation has been impacted in the last few years. The sector has not yet come up with a solution. We have considered how its unique content can be supported for what it does in the public interest, but while remaining independent. In all this discussion, it is crucial that we have a trustworthy news sector and that our journalism is independent and transparent and has standards that it holds. It is important that it does not succumb to commercial or political pressures. That is the overview we are looking at in the local media sector in particular. There have been calls for support and different ways to help not only the media but also the many workers involved. We must ensure that they have a future and that there is a future for upcoming journalists at local and national level. We are considering how it can be done in a balanced way that is not interfered with by commercial or political sectors. We will bring the issues to the fore in our final report.