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THE NUJ NEWS RECOVERY PLAN Short-term measures proposed


by the NUJ include: -- The transfer of all media policies to a new department, the Department of Arts, Culture and Media from the Department of Communications, Climate Change and Environment, marking a significant statement of commitment to the protection and development of the media. -- A windfall tax of 6 per cent on the tech giants, using the UK Digital Services Tax model, towards funding a News Recovery Plan. The UK government committed to introduce a 2 per cent Digital Services Tax from April 2020 on the revenues of large businesses providing internet search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces to UK users and the Irish government must not be afraid to follow the UK example. -- Tax credits and interest-free loans to support journalist jobs, for frontline reporters covering the Covid-19 crisis and recovery. -- A review of Covid-19 payment schemes with a


view to greater flexibility in assisting freelance media workers who have sustained income losses but may still be in receipt of low earnings in a manner which excludes them from benefits. -- No public money for firms making compulsory


redundancies, cutting pay, giving executive bonuses or blocking trade union organisation. The NUJ is proposing the criteria already set out in competition legislation be used as a template for assessing applications for assistance. These criteria are set out in the Media Merger Guidelines, May 2015, and set out factors to be considered in the public interest in determining approval of media mergers, having regard to media plurality and diversity and include editorial independence and regard to regulatory compliance and engagement with the industrial relations machinery of the State. -- Companies receiving public funds are prohibited


for five years from engaging in mergers and acquisition activity or leveraged buyouts that result in job losses or pay reductions. -- Strategic investment in government advertising, including the hyperlocal sector, involving central and local governments and public bodies. The response of the media to the Covid-19 crisis and the increased engagement with readers reflects the relevance of the media as a reliable medium of news and public information. -- The establishment of an innovation fund to


promote public interest journalism at local and national level, developing the model used in the Simon Cumbers Media Fund established by Irish Aid. -- Free vouchers for online or print subscriptions to


all 18- and 19-year-olds, and tax credits for households with subscriptions. -- Free vouchers for online or print subscriptions to people over 70 years old, in line with the free TV licence scheme. -- Immediate steps to address the financial crisis in


public service broadcasting. The medium-term measures


include: -- Establishment of a government-funded Journalism Foundation to invest in local news and innovative journalistic projects. -- Confer “asset of community value” status on local


newspapers, ensuring that titles are preserved for potential community ownership. The concept of “community status” is new in the Republic of Ireland but is common in other jurisdictions. Also allow the establishment of charitable status to media outlets that want it. -- Employee representation of 25 per cent on


executive boards in receipt of public funding. -- Independent sustainable funding of public service


broadcasting that protects its universality and prevents government interference. -- Nationwide media literacy strategy to tackle


disinformation and fake news. -- Reform of media ownership rules, with a


strengthened public interest test. -- Training that opens up access to journalism, including apprentices for school-leavers. The absence of comprehensive in-service training is a regrettable feature of the Irish media industry. -- Grant aid to enable training for journalists to


transition from print to digital publications and to acquire new skills. -- Protection for whistle-blowers and monitoring the


potential impact of surveillance technologies being considered in response to Covid-19 challenge and easing of lockdowns. -- Support for a global framework to protect and promote journalism and improve press freedom.


Media access: In addressing the role of the media it is important to


reassert the importance of accountability and transparency in ensuring public trust and confidence. Resisting the moves to clamp down on journalistic access and to evade scrutiny is vital. The NUJ, its sister unions and the International Federation of Journalists are intrinsic to safeguarding worldwide media freedom. We also need to recognise that quality local journalism plays a critical underpinning role reporting on public health, providing an early warning protection in public health emergencies. Aid packages for media are being introduced


around the world; however a piecemeal approach will only go so far. The NUJ is calling for a global recalibration of the media industry and renewed commitments to press freedom, spearheaded by the IFJ and other international partners.


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