Local newspapers around Ireland are marking their contribution to their communities by celebrating Local Newspaper Week.
Readers in print and online are being encouraged to support their local newspapers by buying a copy at their newsagent or taking out an online subscription.
Established in 1902, the Derry People & Donegal News, has just celebrated its 120th year as the leading news and advertising publication in County Donegal.
For the last century the newspaper has been at the heart of the community providing first class journalism to our readers.
We have seen many changes over that time including the recent appointment of a new editor, Laura McMonagle.
It is an exciting time for the long-standing newspaper and we would like to take this opportunity to announce the appointment of Ryan Ferry as Sports Editor and Conor Sharkey as News Editor.
“As we celebrate Local Newspaper Week it is a great time to reflect on not only our proud history in the county but also to look ahead to the bright future here at the Donegal News,” said Laura McMonagle.
“I want to congratulate Ryan and Conor on their appointments and I have every confidence they will both do a great job in helping to steer the title forward and maintain it as the best in the county.”
Declan McGuire, President of Local Ireland, which represents publishers of paid-for weekly newspapers across the country, said it is important to recognise the contribution made by newspapers to their towns and villages.
He also highlighted the need for government support as the industry faces a myriad of challenges including loss of advertising, the energy crisis and a substantial increase in the cost of our basic raw material, newsprint.
“We are there week-in, week-out and even during the economic challenges of Covid when businesses slowed or stopped altogether, we kept publishing to keep our readers informed,” said Mr McGuire.
“We have had encouraging support from our Minister Catherine Martin, Government and opposition parties and we hope to receive more following the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission.”
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media TD Catherine Martin said local newspapers hold a special place in our communities.
“In recognition of the importance of local media, I secured €6 million in Budget 2023 for the establishment of the Media Fund,” said Minister Martin.
“This will initially fund two schemes, a Local Democracy Reporting Scheme and Courts Reporting Scheme, which will be administered by Coimisiún na Meán on a platform-neutral basis.”
Executive Director of Local Ireland Bob Hughes added:
“We face serious challenges to our journalism and are looking for Government support in many areas, such as funding from the new media commission, partnership agreements with the tech platforms, reform of our defamation laws and a fair share of Government advertising.
“We also need public support for what we do and the best way to do this is to buy a newspaper or take out an online subscription.
“We have never had so many readers thanks to our new digital audience.”
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