NNI Calls for a Single Minister for Media

NNI has called upon Mr Pat Rabbitte TD, Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources to extend his portfolio to include all media, not just broadcasting.

The media market continues to evolve and converge. Newspaper publishers are competing for readers and advertising with other media, including public service and commercial broadcasters, as well as aggregators. Therefore, it is essential that the principles of a level playing field are fully and transparently applied so that no one player is afforded a more privileged position. In order to facilitate a more holistic approach to the Irish media market, it is imperative that all media are included in the Minister’s portfolio.

Minister Rabbitte was guest of honour at a dinner hosted by NNI for ENPA last month. Speaking at the dinner, the President of ENPA Mr Ivar Rusdal confirmed that a number of other European countries, including his own Norway, have a dedicated Minister for Media.

The Chairman of NNI Mr Matt Dempsey stated that the media landscape has changed so dramatically, and continues to change at such a rapid pace, that only a dedicated Minister for Media could be expected to keep on top of all the issues currently taking place.

For more information contact Ann Marie Lenihan, Email: amlenihan@cullencommunications.ie or Tel: 01 668 9099