1510. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures his Department is taking to support the sustainability of local and regional newspapers and digital news platforms given their important role in informing communities, supporting democracy and providing trusted local information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56737/26]

Local and regional media play an important role in providing high quality public service content and contributing to a diversity and plurality of trusted voices in our media sector. Access to reliable news is fundamental to the functioning of our democracy. A strong and sustainable media sector operating to professional and ethical journalistic standards ensures access to reliable news, enhancing democratic participation and safeguarding our information space.

In line with the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission, the General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill contains measures to convert the statutory Broadcasting Fund to a platform-neutral Media Fund which will provide a robust framework for supporting for the wider media sector in the longer term. This will fund all schemes prepared by Coimisiún na Meán to support the production, distribution and archiving of public service content by the wider media sector including local and regional outlets.

Supporting a vibrant media sector in order to sustain the continued provision of independent, high-quality journalism providing objective, trustworthy and accurate information to the public is a priority for this Government. A suite of funding schemes catering to all parts of the media sector currently operate on an administrative basis, pending the establishment of the statutory Media Fund.

In January 2026, Coimisiún na Meán announced the award of over €15m through five media funding schemes (Local Democracy (Round 2), Courts Reporting (Round 2), News Reporting (Round 1), News & Current Affairs on Commercial TV (Round 1) and Digital Transformation (Round 1)) to enhance the public service content offering available to the public and support media organisations across the State. In addition, €1m in funding has been provided to Coimisiún na Meán for a new community media scheme, which is due to be launched this week. Furthermore Round 2 of the News Reporting Scheme is underway, with funding decisions to be announced shortly.

Coimisiún na Meán are currently conducting a review into the operation, effectiveness and impact of Round 1 of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes which will inform future iterations of the Schemes with the aim of ensuring that funding support remains accessible and meets the needs of the sector.

The newly implemented Digital Transformation Scheme provides vital support for media outlets to upgrade and enhance their technology and digital infrastructure as well as to provide training and upskilling opportunities for existing staff in the context of an ever-changing and increasingly digitalised media landscape. Under Round 1 of the scheme, over €830,000 of available funding was awarded to print and online publications.

My Department and Coimisiún na Meán will continue to work to assist news publications at a local, regional and national level in navigating the challenges they face and to ensure that necessary supports are available in order to maintain and promote an independent and thriving media that is reflective of contemporary Irish society and that continues to play a key role in the provision of trusted information and reliable public service content.