Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Future of Media Commission report was a welcome step in safeguarding the public interest in journalism and media in Ireland. We have never probably had a more important time to promote and fund quality journalism, especially with the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation across the Internet. It is needed to address the severe threats that we are seeing from these multiple angles.

I would advise the Minister - I am sure she knows - we are seeing experienced and passionate journalists moving from their roles as public watchdogs into PR and communication roles, primarily because journalism is no longer financially able to sustain many. The young journalists are leaving college and starting work in local newspapers only to become quickly disillusioned by the poor salaries on offer and the lack of quality job advancement.

It is no wonder that our news agencies are under threat. When we look at the likes of Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok, we know the risks of free content. They come with zero guarantees and require a hefty dose of scepticism. I would say Twitter, in particular, has become the Wild West in local media.

It is important that we get funding into our media as quickly as possible so that we have something tangible that there is integrity attached to.

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