Ireland’s local newspapers and local independent shops share many traits.RGDATA has told the 2013 Local Newspapers symposium that local newspapers and shops need to work more closely together.
The event was hosted by National Newspapers of Ireland and the Regional Newspapers and Printers’ Association and was the centrepiece of Local Newspaper Week.
“Ireland’s local newspapers and local independent shops share many traits,” said Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General. “They are both local family owned businesses with strong roots in their communities striving to compete with some of the biggest players in the world during challenging times.
"Local Newspapers and local shopkeepers should work together to promote vibrant towns and villages, supporting local and buying Irish.”
Buckley put forward that local newspapers could play an important role assisting local town centre traders who are trying to regenerate and revitalise ailing town centres, including printing vouchers in the local newspapers so that people will purchase the newspapers and spend money in local shops.
Buckley also said RGDATA were grappling with the challenges posed by social media and online competition. She stated to the local newspapers that, however, there are a new generation of young retailers full of enthusiasm, ideas and are prepared to work hard to ensure their family shops survive and proposed that the newspaper editors profile these young local entrepreneurs in their newspapers. (By Francesca Plows)
