The Media

Part of 6. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:22 pm on 15 July 2020.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 3:22, 15 July 2020

I have a number of interests to declare here. I'm a journalist by profession, I'm a member of the National Union of Journalists, I'm also a Member of our national Parliament who appreciates—like all of us here—the importance of effective scrutiny of our democratic institutions, and I'm a consumer of Welsh media, who knows how vital it is that the story of Wales is seen and read and heard and discussed by the people of Wales. The idea of key pillars of Welsh journalism being merged editorially with other news organisations not based in Wales and not focusing in any way on Wales, should worry all of us. I'm worried, of course, for all the journalists affected, but I'm hugely concerned about what it means for our nation. Will the Minister do all he can to intervene, to push for a rethink by Reach, to push for a focus by them, perhaps not on cutting and running, but on trying to create a sustainable and genuinely pan-Wales news venture within their wider organisation? But also, with the market—if we can call it that—clearly failing here, will he pledge to put in place frameworks and support mechanisms that can help sustain a plurality of independent journalism in Wales?