Media seek action on report findings

THE Government has been urged to act quickly on the findings of the Commission on the Newspaper Industry's report.

The report contains a series of recommendations including the removal of VAT, currently levied at 12.5 per cent, changes in the libel laws and the appointment of an Ombudsman. It also warns that the industry will need to radically restructure itself to combat the growing threat from British rivals.

The National Union of Journalists general secretary, Mr Eoin Ronayne, said yesterday it broadly welcomed the Commission's findings. "Our main concern now is that the Government will act on it. Several reports recommending changes in the libel laws, for example, have not been acted on."

The National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI) welcomed the Commission's conclusions. It said the NNI was not seeking special favours.

"We are merely asking that the Government removes the many burdens that have been placed on Irish newspapers and allows them every possible opportunity to compete with their British counterparts on equal terms, it said.

The NNI had a meeting with members of Fianna Fail's front bench yesterday and the commission's findings were discussed. Fianna Fail deputy leader, Ms Mary O'Rourke, called on the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Bruton, to publish the report as soon as possible. Mr Bruton, who commissioned the report following the demise of the Irish Press titles, said he hoped to bring it to Government at an early date "with a view to its publication within a fortnight or so".

RTE was not represented on the commission but there were some criticisms of programmes which offer free gifts.

An RTE spokesman said there were very strict guidelines on sponsorship and advertising and took issue with the Commission on this point. He said RTE would examine the report in detail.