The Government will be providing financial assistance to newspaper publishers, as they currently face significant challenges due to the substantial increase in the price of paper.

During a meeting held with Prime Minister Robert Abela at Auberge de Castille, the committee of all the newspaper publishers in Malta together with the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM), discussed their situation and concerns, and explained the significant challenges that they are facing in the light of these extraordinary events, the government said in a statement.

Local publishers employ around 66 journalists full-time together with several part-timers, and issue 14 different newspapers between them, published daily, weekly, and on Sundays.

The role of the newspaper as an integral part of contemporary media, and its key role as a strong instrument of democracy, were also discussed. In view of this crucial role, the Prime Minister therefore announced that the Government will be stepping in and assisting the sector accordingly.

A fund of €500,000 has been allocated to support the work of printed journalism in our country that has been impacted by the current extraordinary circumstances, in addition to the major challenges already being experienced by this sector.

Minister for Finance and Employment Clyde Caruana and Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici were also in attendance for this meeting.