Leader secures funding to strengthen local journalism

THE Limerick Leader / Limerick Live is to receive government funding to enhance its ability to continue to provide high-quality, independent news coverage.

Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has announced the awarding of a total figure of €5.7 million which is to be shared out across news outlets across Ireland under new journalism schemes, through Coimisiún na Meán.

Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland’s agency for developing and regulating a trusted media landscape.
The journalism schemes cover Local Democracy and Courts Reporting – the first time Coimisiún na Meán has directly supported public-interest journalism for communities across Ireland.

As part of the awards, over 100 new or enhanced journalist roles will be created across the country, including in the Leader.

Every one of the 26 counties will see journalism funded on matters of public importance, including the work of local authorities and district and circuit courts.
Online reporting will form part of the scheme.

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Minister O’Donovan said: “I very much welcome the funding that the Limerick Leader is to receive and have no doubt it will be fully utilised to ensure quality, reliable and accurate news reporting continues to be produced.

“Local news is one of the cornerstones of a functional democracy, and these schemes will ensure that people across Limerick receive the news stories that matter to them.’’

Managing Editor of the Limerick Leader / Limerick Live, Áine Fitzgerald welcomed the announcement of funding “at a time when trusted, independent journalism is more important than ever”.

“We at the Limerick Leader/ Limerick Live are delighted to receive support from Coimisiún na Meán as part of these new journalism schemes.

“This funding is a vital investment in journalism, ensuring that local democracy and courts reporting remain at the heart of our coverage here in Limerick,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

“At a time when trusted, independent journalism is more important than ever, this support empowers us to continue serving the people of Limerick with accurate, in-depth reporting. We very much welcome this recognition of the crucial role local media plays in informing communities and holding people and power to account,” she added.