The National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI) has announced an expansion of its membership to include the 36 local and regional newspapers owned by its member publishers. 

Commenting on the news, Maeve Donovan, Chairman of NNI said  “newspapers play a unique role in our society, whether it’s a title with a nation-wide readership covering national and world news, or a local or regional newspaper focusing on issues of relevance to their local community.” 

“It is a natural progression to expand the organisation to include our local and regional titles who face similar challenges and are similarly affected by industry and public policy issues” said Ms Donovan..  

NNI has represented its members on a wide variety of issues since its formation in 1985. The organisation has always been committed to promoting newspapers as a comprehensive source of news and information, as well as the most effective medium for advertising.  

NNI Local and Regional Newspapers has appointed Dan Linehan as its first Chairman.

"The objectives of NNI Local and Regional Newspapers will very much mirror those of NNI, promoting the unique qualities of local and regional  newspapers and actively engaging with the legislators on the issues affecting local press.," said Dan Linehan,.

Frank Cullen, Co-ordinating Director of NNI will assume the same role for NNI Local & Regional Newspapers.

ends

Editors note:

The National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI) and NNI Local and Regional Newspapers represents 18 national daily, Sunday and weekly newspapers and 36 local and regional newspapers with a combined weekly circulation of almost 6.5m copies.

Dan Linehan, Chairman NNI Local & Regional Newspapers, Maeve Donovan, Chairman NNI and Frank Cullen, Co-ordinating Director NNI & NNI Local & Regional Newspapers