Local newspapers across the country are facing "serious challenges" in the face of a digital transition but are still surviving, according to Executive Director of Local Ireland Bob Hughes.
Local Ireland is a group representing 32 local newspapers across the country. It includes titles such as The Connacht Tribune, The Limerick Leader and The Longford Leader.
Mr Hughes said that the switch to a digital format is essential and that local newspapers should be supported by Government in that transition because of the role they play in informing their local communities.
"Print still delivers the revenue. Digital will deliver the revenue, but we have to get the business model right," Mr Hughes said.
"It's essential that our service continues because we are vital to our local communities, we are vital to local democracy."
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Hughes outlined that local newspapers are experiencing a growth in readership due to their availability online.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
His comments come as the head of Mediahuis, the company that owns a number of newspapers including the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent, said he expects printed daily papers to be phased out within the next seven to ten years.
Peter Vandermeersch said that Mediahuis is planning to become a "digital-only" company in the future, and that he was concerned about local newspapers, because of their "small scale".
Any supports that are brought in to support local newspapers should include robust governance processes in order to protect their independence, Mr Hughes explained.
"I have every expectation that the new commission will have the same robust procedures that the BAI have, and I don't think newspapers should feel threatened as long as the processes are good," he said.
Casting an eye to the future, Mr Hughes said that he does not expect local newspapers to be "fully digital" in the next seven to ten years.
"We have a [unique selling point] and our readers are very loyal to the print editions. Some people still want to feel and hold a printed edition and it has a value to them," he added.
