On the 17th July 2024, Coimisiún na Meán launched our new Journalism Schemes which will support both the media sector and high-quality journalism across Ireland.
The closing date for the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme, the Courts Reporting Scheme and the Ancillary Measures Schemes has now been extended from 17th September at 12pm to 30th September 2024 at 3pm.
For further information, please read: Coimisiún na Meán launches applications for new Journalism Schemes.
Updates to Broadcasting Codes and Rules required to meet Ireland’s obligations under the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD)
Coimisiún na Meán has today (04.09.2024) launched a consultation on revised Broadcasting Codes and Rules for radio and television broadcasters. The Codes and Rules are required to be updated to comply with the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD).
The AVMSD provides for minimum standards and obligations that media service providers must adhere to in a variety of areas, including child safety, the accessibility of their services, and the prohibition of content that incites hatred.
Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: “Ensuring that the Codes and Rules which apply to broadcasters in Ireland are kept up to date with EU regulations is crucial in guaranteeing a thriving and safe media landscape for Irish audiences. Coimisiún na Meán has today opened a consultation on revised Codes and Rules which contain updated obligations for Irish broadcasters and which recognise a new complaints procedure for members of the public where they believe that a broadcaster has failed to comply with a Code or Rule. In the future, An Coimisiún intends to conduct a further review of our Codes and Rules to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of Irish audiences, and our changing media landscape.’’
The revised Broadcasting Codes and Rules which are being consulted on are:
The consultation will run from 4th September 2024 until the 3rd of October 2024 and the consultation document can be found on our website.
In recent weeks, we have seen a rise in threats of violence online directed at politicians, public figures, and members of their families. This activity can have a hugely negative impact on those targeted and undermines our democracy. Online abuse directed at elected representatives can have a chilling effect on democracy.
Threatening violence online is illegal. Under the EU Digital Services Act, online platforms must provide a way for people to report content they think is illegal. Platforms must respond to these reports in a timely and diligent manner. They must also consistently enforce their own terms and conditions relating to content.
Coimisiún na Meán does not have powers to compel the immediate removal of illegal content from online platforms. Our role is to make sure that the platforms’ content reporting systems are working effectively in compliance with the law.
We met with Meta about the threats directed at An Taoiseach and his family. We have also been in touch with representatives from An Garda Síochána and the European Commission about this incident. We are now assessing Meta’s compliance with their obligations under the EU Digital Services Act. We will be following up with Meta to seek further information about the circumstances of this incident and their response. We will then consider our next steps. We have a range of powers available to us under our Online Safety Framework, which consists of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the EU Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation.
On the 4th July 2024, Coimisiún na Meán published a consultation document on its draft Code and Rules for Video On Demand services.
Following consideration of a request to extend the deadline, the Commission has agreed a new deadline submission of Tuesday, 20th of August 2024. The consultation document may be found on our website.
Draft Access Rules contain binding targets for Irish Sign Language, Subtitling and Audio Description services
Coimisiún na Meán has today (18.07.2024) launched a public consultation on draft Access Rules for Television Broadcasters. The revised Rules contain updated binding targets for Irish Sign Language, Subtitling and Audio Description services and are aimed at improving the accessibility of programming for people with disabilities. Once finalised, the Access Rules will apply to television broadcasters based in Ireland.
Included in the draft Access Rules for consultation are best-practice Standards which require broadcasters to ensure that Irish Sign Language, Subtitling and Audio Description services are produced to a high quality.
Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: “Ensuring that Ireland’s media landscape meets the highest standards of accessibility is a key priority for Coimisiún na Meán. Once finalised, the revised Access Rules for Television Broadcasters will set updated binding targets for the accessibility of services and will provide Standards for broadcasters to achieve in making sure that their programming is accessible. Coimisiún na Meán is dedicated to enriching Ireland’s media landscape, including guaranteeing that programming is developed to be inclusive and accessible to every member of the audience.’’
The draft Access Rules also provide for members of the public to complain to Coimisiún na Meán about any potential non-compliance by broadcasters with the Rules. The public consultation will run from 18 July to 19 August.
As part of the consultations, Coimisiún na Meán will facilitate meetings with Disabled Persons Representative Organisations (DPROs), individuals who use Subtitling, Irish Sign Language and Audio Description services and other organisations representing the interests of access users. This approach will ensure that those who will benefit most from the Access Rules and their representatives are consulted with in advance of the Rules being finalised.
• Draft Access Rules for Television Broadcasters (Word)
• Draft Access Rules for Television Broadcasters (PDF)
• Draft Access Rules for Television (ISL)
• Public Consultation on Access Rules (Word)
• Public Consultation on Access Rules (PDF)
• Public Consultation on Access Rules (ISL)
• Public Consultation on Access Rules Form (Word)
The Local Democracy and Court Reporting Schemes will support the creation of high quality accessible public journalism.
€6 million has been allocated for the Journalism Schemes in 2024
Coimisiún na Meán has today (17.07.2024) launched our new Journalism Schemes which will support both the media sector and high-quality journalism across Ireland. The Schemes aim to supplement and enhance coverage of local authorities and district and circuit court hearings and have been established following a recommendation from the Report of the Future of Media Commission.
Funding will also be made available for proposals for public interest journalism in long form. In this context, funding will be available to assist media service providers to undertake in-depth focus pieces or series on either a broad range of issues arising from coverage of local authorities/other democratic fora or arising from courts coverage or related matters.
€6 million has been allocated for the Journalism Schemes in 2024 thanks to funding secured by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, Catherine Martin TD. This funding covers the grants and the administration costs of the Scheme.
The new Journalism Schemes will be open to applications from journalists and media outlets, including broadcast, print and online platforms, in both the Irish and English languages. To be eligible, applicants will be required to demonstrate editorial expertise, capacity and track-record, and must also be a regulated entity, or affiliated with a regulated entity.
Commenting on the launch of the Journalism Schemes, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, Rónán Ó Domhnaill said: “We are delighted to be launching our Journalism Schemes for local democracy and court reporting today. This is the first opportunity for Coimisiún na Meán to offer direct support to promote high-quality and trusted journalism for local communities across Ireland on a platform-neutral basis. This is the first time print and online news providers can be supported this way.
“These new Schemes are being introduced on a pilot basis and will be reviewed subsequently, with feedback received and the stakeholder engagement contributing to the development of future funding initiatives and schemes. We would like to encourage all eligible applicants to apply for funding and we look forward to receiving feedback on the implementation of these new Schemes.”
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD commented: “I warmly welcome the launch of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes by Coimisiún na Meán today. A strong, diverse and free media sector, of which local and regional news are a vital component, is essential for democracy and for our society as a whole. The Schemes mark a new departure by the State to support public interest journalism at a time when traditional journalism is under pressure.
The €6m I secured in Budget 2024 for the new Schemes will help support quality, independent public interest journalism that provides an essential service to the public as well as the plurality, sustainability and integrity of our media.”
All content funded will be made freely available to the public, not less than 7 days after its initial publication, and will be uploaded by Coimisiún na Meán to its website.
The launch of the Schemes follows a public consultation in April this year, with many submissions highlighting the Schemes’ importance in sustaining a healthy democracy and informing and engaging citizens. The responses also generally expressed satisfaction with the approach proposed by An Coimisiún.
Coimisiún na Meán is now inviting applicants to apply for funding under the new pilot Journalism Schemes. The Guide for Applicants can be found here:
• Local Democracy Reporting Scheme (English)
• Local Democracy Reporting Scheme (Irish)
• Courts Reporting Scheme (English)
• Courts Reporting Scheme (Irish)
The closing date for completed applications for both Schemes is 12 noon, 17th September 2024. Application forms can be found here:
• Local Democracy Reporting Scheme application form (English)
• Local Democracy Reporting Scheme application form (Irish)
• Ancillary Measure Local Democracy Reporting Scheme (English)
• Ancillary Measure Local Democracy Reporting Scheme (Irish)
• Courts Reporting Scheme application form (English)
• Courts Reporting Scheme application form (Irish)
• Ancillary Measure Courts Reporting Scheme (English)
• Ancillary Measure Courts Reporting Scheme (Irish)
More information on the Schemes can be found on our website here.
In partnership with the Trinity College School of Law, Coimisiún na Meán has published an essay on the topic of EU media regulation prepared by the top student taking the module EU Media Regulation, as part of the postgraduate LL.M programme in Trinity College. This initiative is designed to promote public debate about media policy and practice. The 2024 winning essay is titled ‘Balancing Counter-Propaganda Measures with Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Information Amidst the Russia-Ukraine Conflict’. It was written by Victoire Nataf and is edited by Dr Ewa Komorek, adjunct assistant professor, Trinity College.
Coimisiún na Meán has opened Round 54 of the Sound & Vision Broadcasting Funding Scheme today (27.06.2024).
An Coimisiún welcomes funding applications from broadcasters and independent producers to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language.
Round 54 of the Scheme is a special funding round that will support the production of content that focuses on the voices of immigrant and new Irish communities only. To encourage innovative applications an Coimisiún asks applicants to develop high-quality proposals that will raise awareness of and address the unique experiences and cultural values of immigrants and new Irish communities and will involve them in the production process.
An indicative budget of €4m is available for this Round. €2m of this amount is funding secured by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Ms Catherine Martin TD
Prospective applicants can access the relevant Guides and Forms for Round 54 via the links below. All applications must be submitted via www.cnamonline.ie.
Television Application Documentation
Radio Application Documentation
The Round will close at 12 noon sharp on 8th August 2024.
An Coimisiún will run a webinar for prospective applicants.
Please register here to attend the applicant webinar at 12pm on the 2nd July 2024.
Coimisiún na Meán has announced details of upcoming funding rounds under the Sound & Vision 4 Scheme.
Round 53 – Sound & Vision ‘Open’ Round
Round 53 opened on 9 April for broadcasters and independent producers to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language. This round closes at noon on Thursday, 30 May 2024. Funding decisions are envisaged to be available in August 2024.
**NEW**Round 54 – Sound & Vision – Special Round to support the production of content focused on the voice of immigrant and new Irish Communities
Round 54 will open on 27 June for broadcasters and independent producers to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language focused on the voice of immigrant and new Irish Communities. This round will close at noon on Thursday, 8 August 2024. Funding decisions are envisaged to be available in November 2024. This round has up to €2 million euros available and is financed by additional exchequer funding secured by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD.
Round 55 – Sound & Vision ‘Open’ Round
Round 55 will open on 15 October for broadcasters and independent producers to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language. This round closes at noon on Thursday, 28 November 2024. Funding decisions are envisaged to be available by late February 2025.
Relevant Guidelines and Application Forms for each round will be published on the Coimisiún na Meán website on the round opening date. Webinars will also be held for prospective applicants. All applications must be submitted via www.cnamonline.ie
| Sound & Vision 4 | Opening Date | Applicant Webinar | Closing Date | Decisions Expected |
| Round 53 | Tuesday 9th April 2024 | Tuesday 16th April 2024 | Thursday 30th May 12 noon | Late August 2024 |
| Round 54 | Thursday 27th June 2024 | Tuesday 2nd July 2024 | Thursday 8th August 12noon | Late October 2024 |
| Round 55 | Tuesday 15th October 2024 | Tuesday 22nd October 2024 | Thursday 28th November 12 noon | Late February 2025 |
For any Sound & Vision specific enquiries please contact: info@cnam.ie
Coimisiún na Meán has today (30.04.24) published its Guidelines in Respect of Broadcast Coverage of Elections. The Guidelines provide direction and advice to broadcasters as to how fairness, objectivity and impartiality can be achieved in their coverage of elections.
The Guidelines are being published in advance of the European and Local Elections and the election for a directly elected Mayor of Limerick, scheduled to take place on 7th June next. The Guidelines come into effect from Tuesday 7th May 2024 and apply to coverage of the elections until the closing of polling stations on 7th June 2024.
The Guidelines highlight different approaches that may be taken to the allocation of airtime for coverage of candidates and political parties as well as the risks of ‘deepfakes’. Existing provisions are retained which relate to the management of conflicts of interest, the prohibition on political advertising and coverage of opinion polls.
Other matters addressed include on-air contributions via social media and a prohibition on broadcasters and presenters encouraging listeners or viewers to vote in support of or against any particular outcome in the elections. The Guidelines also encourage broadcasters to include a range of voices and opinions in their coverage, including a mix of views representing social, gender and cultural diversity.
Speaking about the publication of the Guidelines, Coimisiún na Meán’s Media Development Commissioner, Rónán Ó Domhnaill said: “Broadcasters play an important and valuable role in communicating information about elections to the Irish public. This is achieved via accurate, fair, objective and impartial coverage.
“The Guidelines retain the moratorium on election coverage. This requires broadcasters to limit coverage of the elections from 2pm on the day prior to an election or referendum and remains in place until the closing of the polls on the day of the election or referendum (10pm).
“When the statutory review of the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs, which provides the basis for the Guidelines, was undertaken in 2022, there was a clear call from industry stakeholders for the moratorium to be removed, while public stakeholders had mixed views about its retention or removal. Having regard to these findings, Coimisiún na Meán has committed to carrying out a review of the broadcast moratorium in the second half of this year, including the undertaking of a public consultation. It is intended to complete this review and publish updated Guidelines dealing with the moratorium in Quarter 4 2024, if warranted by the review.’’
