The representative body for national newspapers has criticised the make-up of the new Future of Media Commission and expressed “extreme concern” in relation to its terms of reference. Ann Marie Lenihan, chief executive of NewsBrands Ireland, welcomed its formation, but said she was “disappointed by the lack of representation on the commission of individuals with direct experience in the Irish news publishing industry”. “We are calling on the commission to add an additional member or members with significant experience in Irish news publishing at a local and national level. “In addition, we are extremely concerned that the terms of reference do not mention the role and impact of digital search engines, social media platforms and other digital content aggregation platforms with regards to the sustainability of a healthy news media. “The terms of reference need be amended urgently to ensure these important issues are addressed.”

Source: The Irish Times September 30, 2020 19:52 UTC