Government support will help promote quality journalism – Naughton

Chairperson of the Oireachtas Communications Committee Hildegarde Naughton has welcomed the retention of a nine-percent VAT rate for newspapers, and a reduction of the rate to nine percent for online publications.

The Fine Gael TD said the decision announced in today’s Budget would help to support quality journalism as publications face a changing media landscape and challenges posed by falling revenue.

“I am very pleased that it has been possible to extend a level of support for newspapers and online publications in today’s Budget,” said Deputy Naughton.

“Quality journalism is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy and, in this country, has been responsible for shining a light at dark times in the history of our state.

“I believe the Government has a responsibility to ensure that journalism is supported, so that public scrutiny, transparency and accountability is supported, and so that there can be confidence in our institutions,” she said.

“It’s a time of great challenges and uncertainty for many media organisations. The industry is adapting to a changed landscape and consumer market, and it is vital that the core functions of the Fourth Estate are not depleted during this transition.

“I believe we need to identify appropriate ways that the Government can provide necessary supports for journalism, and I consider today’s Budget to be an important step in that direction.”