NEW PRESIDENT FOR LOCAL IRELAND

The new President for Local Ireland is Seán Mahon, Managing Director of the Southern Star.

Mr Mahon, who is based in Skibbereen, West Cork, has a long career in newspapers and digital media, having worked in the UK for both national and local media groups for many years before joining the Southern Star in 2009. He takes over the presidency from Dan Linehan, Head of Irish Times Regionals, following the completion of Mr Linehan’s two-year term.

Local Ireland is an association that represents 37 newspapers and their related websites and online channels across the island of Ireland.

Mr Mahon said:

“It’s an honour to be appointed President of Local Ireland and I’m looking forward to championing and promoting our industry over the next two years. In a world of increasing misinformation, trusted media brands are more important than ever for society and local newspapers consistently score as one of the most highly trusted media.

Thanks to our strong brands and combined newspaper and digital audiences, we’re now read by more people than ever before in our history but we need continued support around several key issues affecting our industry, namely a fair share of supports via the media commission, Coimisiún na Meán, fair compensation for the use of our news by global technology platforms, a decent share of government advertising and reform of our defamation laws.

Local newspapers and their amazing, resilient and highly skilled personnel play a vital role keeping communities across Ireland connected and it’s important we maintain, develop and protect them.”
Bob Hughes, Executive Director of Local Ireland, said:

“I look forward to working with Seán and want to thank Dan for the work he has put in over the past two years, during which his enthusiasm for – and commitment to – local news has shone through. I’m also delighted to welcome Declan McGuire, Managing Director of the Connacht Tribune, as our new Vice-President as he steps into Sean’s shoes.

Regional news publishers continue to face stiff economic challenges around circulation and advertising and we will continue to advocate strongly around the key policy issues that Seán has outlined.

We are embracing digital transformation and are diversifying online, including video and podcasts, as well as powering websites driven by both original digital material and our printed content. We are doing as much as we can to help ourselves but we continue to need support.

As the Future of Media Commission recognised, regional news publishers play a valuable role in local democracy and the administration of justice. They also reflect all aspects of our local life, including sports, entertainment, clubs, charities and much more, operating as they do at a hyperlocal level that is unique in the Irish media landscape.”