What discussions has the Welsh Government had about the support available for independent journalism in the English language in the Llanelli area?
The Welsh Government has held a series of discussions about the support available for independent journalism in the English language in Wales, including with the Creative Wales non-executive board, Ofcom, the National Union of Journalists and Senedd Cymru.
Support has been provided through the Independent Community Journalism Fund. In April 2020, hyper-local news organisations, which are Welsh members of the Independent Community News Network (ICNN) received up to £8,500 in emergency funding through the fund.
In February 2021, an additional £5,000 was awarded to ICNN members in Wales through the fund to help them continue to deliver news to their communities.
The Welsh Government, through Mentrau Iaith Cymru, supports a network of 52 Papurau Bro throughout Wales – more than £97,000 supported this network in 2020/21.
Our funding for the publishing industry is via the Books Council of Wales. This also includes funding for Golwg 360, the Welsh-language daily online news service.
Funding is available to support businesses during the pandemic through the Economic Resilience Fund and the Third Sector COVID-19 Response Fund. The local authority discretionary fund is also able to support businesses and sole traders, which do not pay business rates.