Motion no: 43
Conference notes the effective ownership and control of modern mainstream media by a neoliberal ideological group. That this control is damaging to our democracies and working people insofar as it captures and controls debate in narrow con nes that are hostile to unions, their members and their interests. That this is consistently the case and is a contributor to wealth inequality through attacking worker's pay, pensions, terms and conditions, tax justice and investment in public services. Conference encourages unions and their members to create a progressive debate about a fairer society through democratically controlled new media forums and discussions.
Amendment
Add after nal paragraph: This Conference further notes that BDC 2015 unanimously adopted a motion calling for the establishment of a commission on the future of the media in Ireland. The concentration of media ownership and control has an impact on the terms and conditions of employment of workers in the media sector, on the resources available for newsgathering and in uences editorial content. The issue of media ownership and control would form part of the work of any such Commission. Conference also notes the failure of successive governments to introduce legislation to adequately tackle the issue of media diversity and plurality in the Republic of Ireland. Conference reaf rms its commitment to the principle of public service broadcasting. While recognising the potential value of social media platforms for promoting dialogue Conference also recognises the value of professional journalism and, in particular, public service broadcasting as an integral part of a diverse, pluralist media landscape. Conference supports the campaign by the Group of Unions, representing working people employed by -members of SIPTU (including the Musicians Union of Ireland and Irish Actors Equity Group), NUJ, TEEU, BATU, UCATT, and UNITE, in defence of public service broadcasting.
