WQ82376 (e) Tabled on 19/03/2021

What discussions has the Welsh Government had regarding support for journalism in the English-language across Wales?

Answered by Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism | Answered on 26/03/2021

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.