Another local regional newspaper has published their last print edition with the loss of 16 jobs. The Clare People said “It’s with deep sadness and regret that the owners and staff of The Clare People announce that that the newspaper has printed it’s last edition.”

But how important are regional newspapers to democracy and the community? Does the newspaper industry have itself to blame for giving away their news for free? Or is social media to blame for harvesting their stories and not paying for it.

Henry McKean has been investigating and visited the regional newspaper powerhouse of The Meath Chronicle and he joined us.