Written question WQ86104

Creative Wales has provided £100k for the Wales Journalism Fund, to support new and existing local newspapers to create public interest news across Wales following a recommendation by last year’s Senedd Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee. The fund, launched in August of this year, has, to date, supported 7 local newspapers and the launch of a new publication supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities across South Wales.

We have also facilitated the creation of the Wales Public Interest Journalism Working Group to provide advice on actions to support the long-term sustainability of Welsh and English language public interest journalism in Wales. The group is made up with representation from the industry, unions, academia and Welsh Government and will present findings from discussions to the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip at the end of the current financial year.

The working group are currently discussing options for the distribution of £300K ringfenced for the support of journalism in Wales via the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru Co-operation agreement. This work is being carried out as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.