Newsbrands calls for Government policy to safeguard journalism

The representative organisation for news publishers in Ireland has increasing concerns around AI and misinformation

Newsbrands Ireland chair Sammi Bourke said: 'Professional journalists hold power to account, inform citizens, strengthen communities and provide trusted information at a time when misinformation and disinformation have become among the greatest challenges facing democratic societies.' Picture: Newsbrands Ireland

The representative organisation for news publishers in Ireland has called on the Government to introduce a policy framework that safeguards journalism amid increasing concerns around AI and misinformation.

Newsbrands Ireland made the call at its annual Oireachtas briefing at which the organisation said that, as publishers across Ireland continue to invest significantly in original journalism, digital transformation and innovation, the sector's long-term sustainability could be at risk unless Government policy evolves alongside these investments. 

The organisation called on the Government to strengthen Ireland's implementation of the EU Copyright Directive and ensure copyright is protected within the EU AI Act.

Newsbrands said they want transparency on how publisher content is used by AI systems, fair compensation for original journalism and meaningful engagement between AI providers and rights holders to establish sustainable licensing arrangements.

NewsBrands Ireland also urged Government to ensure future policy “supports both responsible innovation and a sustainable news ecosystem”.

It warned that a “weaker news industry would mean fewer journalists, less local reporting, reduced scrutiny of public institutions and greater vulnerability to misinformation and disinformation”.

Chair of Newsbrands Ireland Sammi Bourke said: “Professional journalists hold power to account, inform citizens, strengthen communities and provide trusted information at a time when misinformation and disinformation have become among the greatest challenges facing democratic societies.”

On the growth of AI, Ms Bourke said news publishers have “embraced innovation” but innovation “must be accompanied by responsibility”.

“Original journalism cannot continue to be commercially exploited without transparency, permission or fair compensation.” 

One of the other major issues raised with the Government was the implementation of the Supreme Court’s Karshan ruling and Revenue's revised employment framework which has implications for companies working with freelancers.

NewsBrands Ireland warned that the absence of sector-specific guidance risks creating unintended consequences for journalism.

The organisation said freelance journalists are essential to the news eco system, and warned that increased costs and reduced commissioning budgets could lead to fewer freelance opportunities and a reduction in the diversity of voices represented in public debate.