Journalists have vowed to fight for the future of the Welsh media in a public debate.

Reporters and broadcasters joined politicians at a public debate on Monday about the future of the country’s media.

Like the rest of the UK, Welsh newspapers have recently suffered with job cuts and the closure of weekly newspapers.

Around 30 people joined the debate in Swansea, which was organised by the local National Union of Journalists’ branch.

The meeting was addressed by Plaid Cymru AM Nerys Evans, the chair of the Welsh Assembly’s culture committee, who highlighted the important role of the Welsh media.

She said: “The discussion about Welsh media is vital because they have such a profound effect on everyone’s daily life and on getting citizens engaged in the important social, cultural and political issues.”

Andy Collinson, a well-known ITV Wales reporter and first chair of the NUJ Wales council, told the debate there was a need for people to be positive about the future of the media.

NUJ deputy general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: This event set out to ask the question: Is there a future for Welsh media. It’s clear from the debate that the answer is a resounding ‘yes’.

“More than ever, people want news about their local area and their country.

“This meeting has vowed to stand up for journalism and to continue to campaign in local communities, at the Welsh Assembly and in newsrooms.

“A vibrant local media is good for everyone – and we’re determined not to let it slip away.”