Coimisiún na Meán

Author: Aoife Molloy

Revised Media Services Codes and Rules published

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New Video-On-Demand Code and Rules, and revised Broadcasting Codes and Rules required to meet Ireland’s obligations under the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD)

Coimisiún na Meán has today (05.12.2024) published revised Media Services Codes and Rules, completing the process of updating its regulations to implement changes under the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022. Under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, Coimisiún na Meán is empowered to develop codes and rules which apply to video-on-demand providers as well as television and radio broadcasters established in Ireland.

The AVMSD provides for minimum standards and obligations that video-on demand providers and television broadcasters must adhere to in a variety of areas, including child safety, the accessibility of their services, and the prohibition of content that incites hatred. The Online Safety and Media Regulation Act establishes the regulatory framework for these services and for radio broadcasters.

Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: ‘’To ensure a thriving and safe media landscape for Ireland, it is crucial that the Codes and Rules which apply to broadcasters and now, for the first time, to video-on-demand service providers are up-to-date and in-line with EU regulations. We have been engaging with media service providers in recent months and following the conclusion of our public consultations, are happy to have published nine sets of Codes and Rules which are now in effect.’’

The nine regulations published include a new Audiovisual On-Demand Media Service Code and Rules, marking the first time that video-on-demand (VOD) services have been subject to formal regulatory oversight by Coimisiún na Meán. These new Codes and Rules were developed following a public consultation which concluded in August 2024.

The other existing Codes and Rules have undergone updates to comply with the AVMSD, and includes the Code of Programme Standards, the Access Rules for Television Broadcasters, and the General Commercial Communications Code. These Codes and Rules were updated following a public consultation which concluded in October 2024.

The new and revised Media Services Codes and Rules which have been published are:

In 2025, Coimisiún na Meán will commence the work required to update the Codes and Rules based on the feedback received as part of the consultation process which took place this year.

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) signs agreement with Coimisiún na Meán

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The Advertising Standards Authority, the independent advertising self-regulatory body responsible for promoting, regulating and enforcing the highest standards of marketing communications in Ireland, has signed an agreement with Coimisiún na Meán to establish a framework of cooperation between both organisations in matters of common interest relating to advertising and commercial marketing communication.

The cooperation agreement aims to enhance oversight and enforcement of standards in the ever-evolving advertising and media landscape, including online platforms and social media.

The partnership between both organisations further positions the Advertising Standards Authority as a leader in the advertising landscape, and both organisations will meet and engage regularly to discuss key trends, focusing on a range of matters of common interest, including:

  • Promoting awareness of, and supporting compliance with, relevant regulatory requirements relating to advertisements and commercial marketing communications
  • Protecting the interests of the recipients of advertisements and commercial marketing communications by seeking to ensure that those advertisements and communications are legal, decent, honest and truthful
  • Seeking to ensure that children and at-risk individuals do not see advertising and commercial marketing communications that may be harmful and that consumers can have confidence in advertising and other forms of commercial marketing communication

This agreement also states that the Advertising Standards Authority and Coimisiún na Meán are committed to the following principles of cooperation:

  • Providing an effective complaints process to recipients of advertisements or commercial marketing communications who wish to make valid complaints
  • Promoting high standards among media services, online platforms and advertising bodies in adhering to provisions of Irish and European law applying to the matters of common interest
  • Promulgating effective and robust regulatory codes and rules
  • Protecting children and other at-risk individuals from advertisements or commercial marketing communications that would be harmful
  • Promoting active dialogue and exchanges on the matters of common interest
  • Exploration of potential avenues of joint research activity to further understanding of trends in the regulatory landscape
  • Maintaining their respective independent regulatory roles and functions

The Advertising Standards Authority has collaborated effectively with Coimisiún na Meán (and its regulatory predecessor, the BAI) on a number of Irish and European projects.

These include participation on ASA’s Independent Complaints Committee; engagement on the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022; and the EU Audio Visual Media Services Directive, which encourages EU Member States to recognise the role that effective co-regulation and self-regulation can play as complementary policy instruments to the legislative, judicial, and administrative mechanisms in place.

Commenting on the agreement, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, says:

“This partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to ensure that advertising across all platforms is legal, decent, honest, and truthful. By working closely with Coimisiún na Meán, we can further address challenges posed by digital advertising and protect Irish consumers, building a safer and more transparent media environment and foster trust in advertising for all. Together, we will strengthen regulatory framework that underpins advertising and media practices in Ireland, promoting high standards among digital services, online platforms and advertising bodies.”

Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting and Video On-Demand Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, says:

“It’s important for us to have a media landscape that consumers can trust and where they are protected from exploitation and fraud. We look forward to continuing to work together with the ASA to ensure that standards for advertising and commercial marketing work for the benefit of consumers, and in particular protect children from potentially harmful advertising content.

€4m funding awarded under our latest Sound & Vision round

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Round 54 allocation supports production of content focusing on the voices of new Irish communities.

  • Over €3.9 million in funding allocated for Round 54, with 35 projects funded covering drama, documentary, entertainment and educational programming for broadcast on TV and Radio
  • 97% of funding has been allocated to independent producers, with €1.4 million of all funding going to projects in the Irish language or bilingual
  • Additional €2 million funding secured by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to support content focusing on the voices of immigrant and new Irish Communities.

Coimisiún na Meán has today (14.11.24) announced the awarding of over €3.9 million of funding under the latest round of the Sound & Vision Scheme. Round 54 will fund the production of 35 projects across TV and radio by independent producers and broadcasters around the country. 97% of total funding as part of Round 54 has been provided to independent producers and approximately €1.4 million of all funding going to projects in the Irish language or bilingual.

Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said ‘’Coimisiún na Meán is committed to ensuring a diversity and plurality of content, reflective of the people of Ireland including their languages, traditions, religious, and cultural diversity. We are delighted to have an opportunity to support projects which give a voice to this diversity. This round of Sound and Vision will raise awareness of, and explore, the unique experiences and cultural values of new Irish communities while delivering a diverse range of high-quality culturally relevant content for audiences.

I would also like to thank Minister Catherine Martin for the allocation of an additional €2 million in funding. Sound & Vision remains a vital funding source for broadcasters and independent producers, enabling them to create programming for audiences that would otherwise not get made.”

Projects funded under Round 54 of the Sound & Vision Scheme include:

  • Welcome To Moore Street – This series, for broadcast on RTÉ One is a window into the heart of modern day Ireland where things simply aren’t ‘black and white’. This series is not about immigration, rather it gives a fascinating insight into the lives of both ‘old’ and ‘new’ Irish who are fighting to make a living here in Dublin’s north inner city.
  • My Ireland Too – In this documentary series, for broadcast on Virgin Media Television young asylum seekers and migrants in the Cork area navigate the challenges of building new lives amidst a sinister rise of discrimination and racist sentiment, representing an honest and authentic view of the migrant experience in Ireland.
  • Bia Úr – This presenter-led documentary series for TG4 introduces audiences to the cultures and traditions of new and exciting foods through the stories of people who have made Ireland home.
  • Mo Shaol, Do Shaol – This thirteen-part children’s entertainment series returns to Cúla4 for the 4th time, as young viewers get a taste of the major events celebrated by new Irish communities.
  • Joy to the World – This radio documentary series for KCLR 96FM celebrates Christmas with immigrant and New Irish Communities by joining in with their traditions, music, preparations, decorations, foods and exchanges of gifts
  • Mmanwu – This radio drama for broadcast on Newstalk delves into the complexities of maternal struggle, mental health, and the clash between tradition and modernity set against the vibrant backdrop of Dublin and Onitsha, Nigeria.
  • Voices of New Ireland – This thirteen part series for broadcast on Flirt FM explores cultural heritage, the Irish language, education, arts, and more, highlighting community achievements and integration through diverse cultures that shape modern Ireland.

44 applications requesting over €4.3 million were submitted for consideration under Round 54 of the Sound & Vision Scheme and just over €3.9 million of funding awarded.

Approximately 35% of the recommended funding will support the production of Irish/Bilingual projects, and there are projects featuring a variety of other languages due to the nature of the Round. 97% of the funding (over €3.8 million) goes directly to the independent production sector. Round 54 consists of funding from the television licence fee, and funding of €2 million secured by Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media.

Determination made under Terrorist Content Online Regulation (TCOR)

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An Coimisiún determines that TikTok, X and Meta (in respect of Instagram) services are ‘exposed to terrorist content’

An Coimisiún decision follows the notification of two or more final removal orders to these providers from EU competent authorities in the last 12 months

Providers will now have to take specific measures to prevent services from being used for the dissemination of terrorist content and to report on the measures they have taken

Coimisiún na Meán has today (13 November) published a decision in respect of three hosting service providers under the Terrorist Content Online Regulation. Coimisiún na Meán has determined that TikTok, X and Meta (in respect of Instagram) services are ‘exposed to terrorist content.’

Terrorist content is defined in EU law as material that:

  • incites the commission of terrorist offences, such as by the glorification of terrorist acts;
  • advocates the commission of terrorist offences;
  • solicits a person or a group of persons to commit or contribute to the commission of terrorist offences;
  • incites, solicits, threatens or provides instruction on the commission of terrorist offences;
  • solicits a person or a group of persons to participate in the activities of a terrorist group;
  • provides instruction on the making or use of explosives, firearms, or other weapons, or noxious or hazardous substances, or other specific methods or techniques for the purpose of committing or contributing to the commission of terrorist offences;
  • constitutes a threat to commit a terrorist offence

The Terrorist Content Online Regulation, which is one part of Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Framework, provides an EU-wide mechanism for counteracting the dissemination of terrorist content online and enabling the speedy removal of terrorist content by hosting service providers.

Under the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, hosting service providers which receive two or more final removal orders from EU competent authorities within the last 12 months may be determined as being exposed to terrorist content. An Coimisiún has reached this decision following the notification of two or more final removal orders in respect of these three providers and following engagement with these providers. An Coimisiún has made this determination in line with its Decision Framework, published in June 2024.

Following this decision, TikTok, X and Meta (in respect of Instagram) will be obliged to take specific measures to protect their services from being used for the dissemination of terrorist content, and to report to Coimisiún na Meán on the specific measures taken within three months from the receipt of the decision. These measures shall be effective, targeted and proportionate and respectful of the fundamental rights of users. Among the measures a hosting service provider exposed to terrorist content is required to take is the inclusion in its terms and conditions of provisions to address the misuse of its service for the dissemination to the public of terrorist content.

Coimisiún na Meán will supervise and assess the mitigation actions taken by the providers. Where An Coimisiún considers that the specific measures taken do not comply with legislative requirements, An Coimisiún will address a decision to the hosting service provider requiring it to take the necessary measures so as to ensure that legislative provisions are complied with.

Infringement by hosting service providers of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation can lead to the imposition of administrative fines, including financial penalties of up to four percent of global turnover.

Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Framework consists of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, the Digital Services Act, and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the basis for our Online Safety Code.

An Coimisiún advises users of online services who see suspected terrorist content to report that content to the platform where they have seen it, and to report any content which could be a threat to life to An Garda Síochána.

Read our updated guidelines for broadcast coverage of elections

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The updated Guidelines come into effect from today 11 November until the closing of
polling stations on 29 November

Coimisiún na Meán has today (11.11.24) 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 General Election, scheduled to take place on Friday, 29 November. The Guidelines come into effect from today, Monday 11 November apply to coverage of the elections until the closing of polling stations on 29 November.

Speaking about the publication of the Guidelines, Coimisiún na Meán’s Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner Aoife MacEvilly said: “Elections and electoral integrity are a key focus for us at Coimisiún na Meán this year. Broadcasters play a central role in how people are informed during election periods and therefore they must ensure that all news and current affairs programming is fair, objective and impartial. The publication of the election guidelines today will aid broadcasters in their approach to programming during election periods and will help them to ensure their coverage is open and transparent. The guidelines are designed to help broadcasters meet their obligations.”

“Alongside these guidelines, we are publishing an Election Information Pack to provide information for candidates standing for election in Ireland and what they can do if they experience harm online. We are also engaging with online platforms to ensure that they play their part in upholding electoral integrity and ensuring that people across Ireland can make free, fair and informed choices about where to cast their vote.”

These Guidelines see the replacement of the Broadcast Moratorium with an Additional Care Requirement for broadcasters during the Critical Election Period. This decision follows a review of the Moratorium conducted by Coimisiún na Meán. This review included an examination of electoral silence periods in other countries, a survey of attitudes conducted with Ipsos B&A and a public consultation.

As well as providing advice on the new Additional Care Requirement, the Guidelines also advise that during polling hours, broadcasters should not feature speculation on the outcome of the election, including the coverage of opinion polls or exit polls, until the voting has concluded.

Broadcasters are also reminded of the requirements to achieve a fair allocation of airtime during election coverage, the prohibition on political advertisements and the requirement to have in place policies and procedures for handling on-air contributions via social media and to mitigate the risks of AI-generated deepfakes.

These Guidelines also state that it is not appropriate for persons involved with ‘election interests’ to present programmes during the election campaign period – ‘election interests’ includes candidates for an election.

Download our election candidate Information Pack, produced with An Garda Síochána

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Coimisiún na Meán and An Garda Síochána have today (8th November) published an Information Pack for all election candidates running in the upcoming General Election. The aim of this pack is to provide information on the roles of An Garda Síochána and Coimisiún na Meán, and to offer guidance for candidates on what to do when they are faced with harmful and/or illegal content or behaviour online.

The Pack has information on different types of scenarios that might arise during the campaign and what steps candidates can take. It provides includes further information on the rights of users under as part of Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Framework and the reporting channels to use for various different platforms when people suspect illegal content online.

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing Operations at An Garda Síochána, Shawna Coxon said “it is important everyone feels free to participate in the electoral process, whether they are engaging in real life or online. That is why An Garda Síochána and Coimisiun na Meán are working together to support our democracy by keeping people safe online during this election.”
John Evans, Digital Services Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said “it is important that people are empowered to run as candidates in any election without being discouraged by illegal abuse or behaviour online. We want our media landscape to support democracy and electoral integrity, and we hope that this information pack will help candidates understand their rights online and where to turn to for help, if needed. We’re also engaging with online platforms on their preparations for the election and we expect them to play their part in ensuring that people can make free, fair and informed choices about where to cast their vote”.

Radio prevails – Check out the latest JNLR figures

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The latest JNLR/Ipsos MRBI report into radio listening is published today (07.11.24).

On behalf of the JNLR Committee, a media release and summary information tables are available to download from our website.

Could your organisation qualify for funding under our Sectoral Learning & Development Programme?

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Interested organisations are invited to apply by closing date Thursday, 5th December.

Coimisiún na Méan has today (07.11.24) launched a funding round under its Sectoral Learning and Development Programme. Up to €550,000 in total is being made available to support industry networks and representative organisations deliver a range of training and development activities for the forthcoming year, 2025.


Funding can be sought by organisations that work in the media sector and undertake training and development initiatives that support the broadcasting and audiovisual industries and align with An Coimisiún’s aim to ensure a thriving, diverse, creative and safe media landscape. Levels of funding available to successful applicants will vary depending on the nature of the activities proposed, and their relevance to An Coimisiún’s work.


Commenting, Coimisiún na Meán’s Media Development Commissioner Rónán Ó Domhnaill said: “An Coimisiún is delighted to launch this funding round under our Sector Learning and Development Programme. Ongoing training and skills development is critical to ensuring the sustainability of the media sector and enhancing its growth, diversity and creativity. We recognise the valuable role organisations and representative bodies in the industry play in providing training and learning opportunities to those in the sector. Supporting such quality projects is a key part of our work and we look forward to seeing a wide range of proposals aiming to enrich our media landscape and support its continued development.”


Previous recipients of funding under the Sectoral Learning and Development Programme include: Learning Waves’ Journalism Graduate Programme, Women in Film and Television, CRAOL- which represents community radio, the Writers Guild of Ireland, and Oireachtas na Gaeilge.


The closing date for receipt of applications to the Programme is noon on Thursday, 5th December 2024. Further details on eligibility and how to apply can be found in the guide and application form.

Public consultation on our draft Strategy Statement now open

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Coimisiún na Meán has today (6 November 2024) opened a public consultation on its first Strategy Statement. The draft Strategy sets out Coimisiún na Meán’s vision, mission and strategic outcomes, alongside delivery tools and strategic enablers.

Section 29 (1) of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, 2022 (OSMRA), provides that Coimisiún na Meán shall prepare a three-year Strategy Statement as soon as possible after establishment.

The consultation is open until 5pm on the 4th of December 2024*.

Further information is available in the Consultation Document.

*Extended deadline: The consultation is now open until 5pm on the 6th of December 2024*

Coimisiún na Meán adopts final Online Safety Code

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Binding online safety rules will apply to Irish-based video-sharing platforms

Coimisiún na Meán has today (21.10.2024) published the finalised Online Safety Code. The Code sets binding rules applying to video-sharing platforms who have their EU headquarters in Ireland. The general obligations contained in the Code will apply from next month and platforms will have an implementation period for certain detailed provisions, which require IT build, to come into compliance.  Coimisiún na Meán will take a supervisory approach to enforcing the Code, ensuring that platforms implement appropriate systems to comply with the provisions of the Code

The Code introduces obligations on video-sharing platforms to protect people, especially children, from harmful video and associated content, including:

  • Prohibiting the uploading or sharing of harmful content on their services including cyberbullying, promoting self-harm or suicide and promoting eating or feeding disorders as well as incitement to hatred or violence, terrorism, child sex abuse material, racism and xenophobia.
  • Using age assurance to prevent children from encountering pornography or gratuitous violence online and having age verification measures in place as appropriate.
  • Providing parental controls for content which may impair the physical, mental, or moral development of children under 16.

These platforms will also have to ensure that they have ways for people to report content that breaks the rules, and act on those reports in line with their Terms and Conditions.

The development of the Code was informed by an initial call for inputs in summer 2023, followed by a full public consultation from December 2023 to February 2024, which received nearly 1400 responses. Coimisiún na Meán’s Youth Advisory Committee was also consulted on the development of the Code. The Code was then notified to the European Commission under the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) Directive process to ensure alignment with the EU Digital Services Act.

The Code is part of Coimisiún na Meán’s overall Online Safety Framework. This Framework makes digital services accountable for how they protect users from harm online. The updated Code, combined with the other parts of the Online Safety Framework, will deliver on the objectives of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, leading to safer online experiences for people across Ireland. The overall Online Safety Framework gives Coimisiún na Meán the tools to address the root causes of harm online, including the availability of illegal content, the harmful impacts of recommender systems, and inadequate protections for children on social media services.

The Online Safety Commissioner, Niamh Hodnett, said: “The adoption of the Online Safety Code brings an end to the era of social media self-regulation. The Code sets binding rules for video-sharing platforms to follow in order to reduce the harm they can cause to users. We will work to make sure that people know their rights when they go online and we will hold the platforms to account and take action when platforms don’t live up to their obligations.”

Executive Chairperson of Coimisiún na Meán, Jeremy Godfrey said: “With the adoption of the Online Safety Code, all the elements of our Online Safety Framework are now in place. Our focus now is on fully implementing the Framework and driving positive changes in peoples’ lives online. Our message to people is clear: if you come across something you think is illegal or against a platform’s own rules for what they allow, you should report it directly to the platform. Our Contact Centre is available to provide advice and guidance to people if they need help.”

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD commented: “I welcome Coimisiún na Meán’s adoption of its first Online Safety Code. Building upon the foundation set out in the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, this code is a major step forward in online safety. It introduces real accountability for online video sharing platforms and requires them to take action to protect those that use their platforms, including by having robust complaints handling procedures and introducing effective age-verification. It will make all of us, but particularly our children, safer online.”