Dáil committee to discuss impact of Covid-19 on media Sector

Chaired by Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fail TD, Niamh Smyth, the discussion will start at 2pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House.

The Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht will today discuss future of public service broadcasting and impact of Covid-19 on Media Sector.

Chaired by Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fail TD, Niamh Smyth, the discussion will start at 2pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House.

Among those in attendance, to address the committee, will be representatives of RTE, led by Dee Forbes, Director General; representatives of the National Union of Journalists, led by Seamus Dooley, Irish Secretary; and representatives of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, led by John Purcell, Chairman.

Speaking ahead of Chairing the meeting, Deputy Smyth said: “Public service broadcasting and the media in general have been under pressure for several years from a combination of funding difficulties due to falling sales and advertising revenue and the increased competition from digital and social media. The Covid-19 pandemic has only increased that pressure on broadcasters and print media. The Committee looks forward to discussing these matters with the media representatives.”

The Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV by clicking HERE.