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The Welsh press doesn’t need to be publicly funded

from The Pembrokeshire Herald 21/07/2023

from The Pembrokeshire Herald 21/07/2023, page 79

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THE LANDSCAPE of Welsh journalism has seen significant developments in recent years, with the emergence of new news outlets aiming to fill the information deficit and provide a diverse range of perspectives. While the Welsh Government’s funding for a Senedd reporter has raised questions about the potential influence of public money on journalistic independence, it is important to consider the broader context of independent and privately funded journalism in Wales.

One notable addition to the Welsh news mix is Herald.Wales, a national news website launched on Friday, 26th February 2021. Herald.Wales, operated by Herald News based in Pembrokeshire, has made a substantial investment to deliver news in both English and Welsh, covering a wide range of topics such as politics, entertainment, sport, and opinions from various contributors.

The Herald.Wales team, led by Managing Editor Tom Sinclair and Political Editor Jon Coles, aims to provide a platform for all political views in Wales while starting from the position that Wales should have the choice over its independence. Despite their support for independence, they emphasise the importance of presenting a balanced and critical approach to the debate, allowing readers to form their own opinions on Wales’ future.

In contrast to the short-lived national news outlet, The National, which closed after 18 months, Herald.Wales continues to thrive. Its success can be attributed to its commitment to local and national news coverage, as well as its dedication to delivering content in both English and Welsh, ensuring accessibility to a broader audience.

Herald.Wales is privately funded, and no public money is used to support its operations. This funding model helps maintain the publication’s editorial independence and ensures that it remains free from undue financial influence. By relying on private investment, Herald.Wales can provide a diverse range of perspectives without compromising its integrity.

Another prominent Welsh news outlet that contributes to the local media landscape is Nation.Cymru. Supported by the Welsh Government, Nation. Cymru provides public interest journalism in Wales. Although the Welsh Government’s funding is openly declared, it would be beneficial for the source of support to be independent of the subject matter it reports on, further enhancing the perception of journalistic independence.

In Wales, a mix of independent publicly funded journalism and market-based journalism is crucial for a wellrounded news landscape. The presence of publicly funded institutions like the BBC and S4C, which are supported through compulsory public prescription rather than market forces, serves as a complement to market journalism. These institutions provide something that the market alone cannot deliver, helping to address the information deficit and promote democratic scrutiny.

While the concerns raised by Tom Giffard, Tory MS and shadow minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, about potential financial influence on reporting are valid, it is important to consider that the risk of undue influence can be mitigated through appropriate measures. Independent funding sources, free from direct government control or vested interests, can play a crucial role in ensuring journalistic integrity.

One potential approach to independent funding is the establishment of an arm’s length body accountable to the Senedd. This body could be responsible for overseeing the allocation of funding for journalism and ensuring its independence from government influence.

Additionally, alternative funding models, such as a broader-based “democracy” levy linked to property values or the use of Crown Estate income in Wales following any devolution of that function, could provide independent financial support for journalism. Freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of democracy, encompassing the right to hold opinions and receive and impart information. Independent publicly funded journalism plays a vital role in upholding this right by providing accurate, nuanced, and balanced news coverage. The discussion surrounding the Senedd reporter proposal reflects broader issues concerning the value, role, and implementation arrangements of independent publicly funded journalism in Wales. It is essential to engage in a serious debate to ensure that the news landscape in Wales remains diverse, independent, and accountable, providing citizens with the necessary information to actively participate in democracy and hold those in power to account.