Cross-media ownership rules should be relaxed in order to ensure future of Welsh newspapers.
The Welsh Government should lobby Westminster Ministers hard to get cross media ownership rules relaxed.
That was the key finding of a cross-party committee of Assembly Members after a 3 month inquiry into the Welsh newspaper industry. But members also want assurances that any move to relax regulation should be accompanied by measures to ensure plurality within local media.
“The challenges facing the newspaper industry are wide-ranging,” said Broadcasting Sub-Committee chair, Dai Lloyd AM.
“What is clear is that if no action is taken on any level by any stakeholders, the newspaper industry in Wales could well face extinction.
“Survival is dependent upon rapid evolution and reaction to these pressures.
“Any successful solutions are likely to be equally wide-ranging and we hope the newspaper industry and governments act quickly and appropriately to safeguard newspapers in Wales and the valuable contribution they make.”
The other recommendations of the report are that the:
Welsh Government should establish a dialogue with newspaper companies and unions to explore means of supporting English language journalism in Wales.
Welsh Government should consider in its strategic approach to advertising taking account of the circulation and penetrations of newspapers involved and ensure that relevant titles are not overlooked. In doing so, the Welsh Government should clearly communicate its advertising strategy to Welsh newspaper companies.
Report on the Welsh Newspaper Industry