At FuJo, we believe that local media can empower communities, promote social solidarity, and strengthen democracy. We are pleased to have contributed to the important research project "Uncovering News Deserts in Europe," which was carried out by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF).
The aim of the CMPF study was to present a thorough analysis of both opportunities and challenges that local and community media in the 27 EU Member States face. The study investigated a number of variables, including market conditions, journalist safety and working conditions, editorial independence, and social inclusivity, with a network of academics spanning the continent.
Local media in Ireland are essential for educating the public and influencing public opinion. There have been questions articulated concerning the viability of local media despite the high levels of public confidence. The segment on Ireland was authored by our Deputy Director, Eileen Culloty, who provided details about the potential and challenges faced by local media in Ireland.
The major finding concerns the possibility of "news deserts" developing in suburban areas that are expanding quickly. Dublin’s growing suburbs, for example, are not sufficiently catered for, which has implications for local democracy.
The report also noted the financial difficulties local media face, such as shrinking earnings and an uneven allocation of public subsidies and advertising. Concerning issues that need to be addressed are a declining number of local journalists as well as the underrepresentation of minority and marginalized groups in local media.
The CMPF report provides suggestions for legislators, media outlets, and journalists on how to begin addressing these issues. These suggestions include giving local media funding, making sure journalists have good working conditions, encouraging ownership transparency in the media, and encouraging engagement with the local community.
FuJo continues to be committed to helping local media stay alive and advancing pluralism in media throughout Europe in the future. Local media play a critical role in maintaining the principles of democracy and strengthening the resilience of society by amplifying the voices of local communities and promoting educated public discourse.
In conclusion, the publication of the CMPF report "Uncovering News Deserts in Europe" offers helpful data about the situation of local media and the difficulties they encounter in EU member states. We urge interested parties to pay attention to the study's conclusions and take swift action to maintain local media for the good of all communities.
To address the issues raised by the study and maintain the essential part that local and community media play in advancing democracy and social cohesion throughout Europe, more investigation and integrated actions are required. Stay tuned with FuJo for more developments and projects as we work to promote media pluralism and democracy throughout Europe and beyond.
Detailed Irish report here: https://cmpf.eui.eu/local-media-for-democracy-country-focus-ireland/
