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NUJ welcomes the end of uncertainty at INM Plc


Irish secretary repeats call for government to set up commission on the future of media


The National Union of Journalists noted the proposed acquisition of Independent News & Media Plc by Mediahuis NV and welcomed the end of a period of speculation about the company’s future. Séamus Dooley, Irish Secretary said the announcement was “of enormous significance. “We welcome the announcement, to the extent


that it ends speculation about the future of the company. That uncertainty, against the backdrop of boardroom battles and the surveillance of employees on the instruction of senior executives, has undermined the confidence of staff and been extremely damaging to morale,” Séamus said. “We note that the proposed purchaser has a


track record of investment in editorial resources and states that it ‘believes unreservedly in independent and quality journalism’. The Irish Secretary said he looked forward to


discussing with the proposed new owners their future plans for all platforms and titles, North and South. “In this regard I would call on the current board and management team to remove the threat of


Sadness at Indo deaths


The recent deaths of two former Irish Independent production journalists within a short space of time occasioned sadness in the chapel and among former colleagues. Noel Reid (80) was former deputy father of the chapel at Independent House and was well known as a production journalist, racing commentator on radio and television and renowned in musical society circles. Declan O’Byrne began his journalism career in


the Roscommon Champion and later worked in the Irish Independent. He was an accomplished production journalist, tv critic, broadcaster and motoring journalist. Both worked under the late Vinny Mahon, Chief Sub, who died last year, and were loyal chapel members.


compulsory redundancies in the national and regional titles,” Séamus said. He continued: “In terms of the media


landscape in Ireland the divestment of their shares in Independent News & Media Plc by the majority shareholders must be seen as a positive development. The retrenchment of the company and the lack of priority given to editorial development will be their legacy. “If Mediahuis NV are committed to journalism


and are prepared to invest in editorial resources their entry into the Irish media market will be welcomed,” he said. Noting that there are many changes facing the Irish media industry, Séamus said, “We again call on the Irish government to establish a Commission on the Future of the Media in Ireland. “The issues of ownership and editorial control


are of critical importance, but we also need to address funding models, access to the profession, the promotion of diversity in terms of staff, including gender balance, training and the role of public service journalism in the broadest sense,” he said.


Getting branches in motion for


BDC 2019 It’s time to start preparing for BDC


2019.


The biennial delegate conference takes place on Saturday, 16th November, in the Riu Gresham Hotel, Dublin. Branches will receive their invitations to submit motions at the end of May, with a closing date of July 26th. The same timetable will apply to nominations for the new Irish Executive Council, which will take up office immediately following the conference.


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