Kerry politicians have been told that the local media in the county has a crucial role to play but it needs support if it is to remain viable.
TDs and senators attended a briefing with media personnel on the new online safety and media regulation bill which will provide for the establishment of a new media regulator.
At the information session, held in Buswells Hotel, Dublin the organisation representing Ireland’s independent radio broadcasters discussed the bill which is currently making its way through the Oireachtas and will introduce some changes to how broadcasting, online and social media are overseen.
Radio Kerry General Manager, Fiona Stack, who was in attendance, remarked: “Local media, press and radio, provides a hugely important service to the people of County Kerry and this was especially true during the pandemic”.
She added: “We need support from all our political representatives to ensure that our businesses remain viable and this legislation provides an important opportunity to implement some of that change
Radio Kerry Chairman, John O’Sullivan, said that the response of TDs and senators at the event was encouraging.
“There is a clear understanding among politicians that local media is under pressure and that steps need to be taken, including the reduction of the broadcast levy, so that our important contribution can be maintained in the face of unprecedented disruption as a result of multinational online and social media platforms,” he stated.
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