Coimisiún na Meán

Author: Aoife Molloy

Coimisiún na Meán opens review of online platforms’ compliance with EU Digital Services Act

Posted on by Aoife Molloy
  • Regulator takes action to ensure platforms deal effectively with reports of illegal content online under the Digital Services Act
  • One in three digital services complaints made to Coimisiún na Meán relate to difficulties reporting illegal content online
  • Initial information-gathering phase is first step towards compliance and possible formal enforcement action and investigation

    • Coimisiún na Meán is concerned that people are having difficulty reporting illegal content to online platforms. Under the Digital Services Act, online platforms are required to act on reports of illegal content in line with the law. This concern comes following an initial review, alongside information gathered from An Coimisiún’s Contact Centre and complaints passed on by other European regulators. An Coimisiún is now initiating a formal review of online platforms’ systems, to ensure that the platforms are complying with their obligations under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA).

    Under the DSA, online platforms must have easy to access and user-friendly ways for users to report illegal content (Article 16 of the DSA). They must also have a clear and accessible point of contact for users to contact them (Article 12). Coimisiún na Meán is responsible for making sure that all platforms with their EU headquarters in Ireland follow these rules, while working closely with the European Commission and other online safety regulators across Europe.

    Coimisiún na Meán has now issued formal requests for information to a range of platforms for further comprehensive detail on their approach to reporting options for illegal content and points of contact for users. Once the information gathering phase is complete, Coimisiún na Meán will engage with the platforms to ensure that their reporting mechanisms and point of contacts comply with the requirements of the DSA. Where concerns remain, Coimisiún na Meán can issue a compliance notice directing platforms to address any shortcomings identified in their systems and processes. If this does not lead to changes and improvements, An Coimisiún can open a formal investigation. If the investigation leads to a finding of non-compliance, Coimisiún na Meán can impose sanctions, such as a fine. An Coimisiún can also enter into a binding commitment agreement with a platform, in which the platform gives undertakings to bring its behaviour into line with the law.

    John Evans, Digital Services Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, said “The DSA is a landmark law aimed at creating a safer and fairer online environment for users. However, its effectiveness for Irish and EU citizens hinges on the full implementation of its provisions by platforms. Of the complaints we have from people in Ireland and across Europe about online platforms, one in three are about problems when reporting illegal content online. We are intervening now to ensure that platforms follow the rules so that people can effectively exercise their rights under the DSA.’’

    Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, said “We are committed to using the full range of powers available under our Online Safety Framework to hold platforms to account for keeping people safe online. Through the DSA, our upcoming Online Safety Code and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation, we are working towards a digital landscape where adults and children can go online without fear of being harmed by the content or behaviour they come across. When people see illegal content, they should report it to the platform where they saw it and if they aren’t satisfied with the platform’s response, or if they can’t find an easy way to report the content, they should get in touch with us.”

    The platforms being contacted at this point are:

    PlatformArticle 12Article 16
    TikTokYesYes
    XYesYes – where there is no overlap with ongoing European Commission investigation
    YouTubeYesYes
    MetaYesNo, subject to an ongoing European Commission investigation
    LinkedInYesYes
    TemuYesYes
    PinterestYesYes
    SheinYesNo, subject to an ongoing European Commission review
    EtsyYesYes
    DropboxYesYes
    HostelworldYesYes
    TumblrYesYes

Coimisiún na Meán awards over €10 million of funding under latest round of Sound & Vision Scheme

Posted on by Aoife Molloy

Newly announced Round 53 allocation represents the largest single funding round in the history of the Sound & Vision Scheme

  • Over €10.1 million in funding allocated for Round 53, with 91 projects funded covering animation, drama, documentary, entertainment and educational programming for broadcast on TV and Radio
  • 95% of funding has been allocated to independent producers, with 30% 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 children and young people’s programming

Coimisiún na Meán has today (09.09.24) announced the awarding of over €10.1 million of funding under the latest round of the Sound & Vision Scheme. Round 53 will fund the production of 91 projects across TV and radio by independent producers and broadcasters around the country. 95% of total funding as part of Round 53 has been provided to independent producers and 30% of all funding going to projects in the Irish language or bilingual.

Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said ‘’The Sound & Vision Scheme has gone from strength to strength, continuing to fund programming for Irish audiences, with a focus on Irish culture, heritage and experience. We are delighted to announce that Round 53 is the largest single round in Sound & Vision history, with over €10.1 million allocated to 91 new projects across TV and radio including animation, drama, documentary, entertainment and educational programming. I would also like to thank Minister Catherine Martin for the allocation of an additional €2 million in funding for children and young people’s programming, which recognises the important role of children as creators and consumers in Ireland’s media landscape. 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.

‘’Funding from Round 53 will contribute to An Coimisiún’s ambition of developing a thriving media landscape for Ireland that reflects the diversity of our people and traditions. Of the 35 television productions funded, 80% feature women as producers and 54% have women as directors. We look forward to seeing and hearing the projects funded under this Sound & Vision round on our screens and on our airwaves.’’

Projects funded under Round 53 of the Sound & Vision Scheme include:

  • Election ’24 – This unique collaboration between the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Electoral Commission for broadcast on Oireachtas TV will invite the audience to peek behind the curtain of a General Election and will educate Irish viewers about our democratic process.
  • First Timers on The Front Line – This series, for broadcast on Virgin Media Television will follow a group of trainees at the National Ambulance Service training hubs across the country and join them as they battle to save lives while getting their qualifications.
  • John Hume san Eoraip/John Hume in Europe – This bilingual documentary for TG4, while exploring the last half century of Irish and European history, will tell the story of one of the most transformative political figures of the 20th century, whose work helped to create one of the most successful peace processes of modern times.
  • Mondays with Maddy – A production for RTÉ Junior, this series will explore a heartwarming bond between Maddy, an energetic six-year-old and her lively 80-year-old Grandad, who was dementia. Each episode follows the duo as they playfully get lost in the moment.
  • Yesterday’s Girl/Ar Ais Arís – This eight-part series for TG4 is a live action, Irish language Young Adult drama following a trio of teen friends, who accidentally bring back a young girl, Fiadh, from 11th century Ireland to the present.
  • Puffin Rock: Series 3 – The multi-award-winning animated series will return to RTÉ Junior welcoming viewers new and old back to the island.
  • Ours to Protect: Series 2 – The return of this radio documentary series, a collaboration between the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland 16 commercial radio stations, about climate change and climate action will produce over 2,800 hours of valuable programming for radio listeners across Ireland.
  • Don’t Ask Me to Remember – Through the use of music, song and social interaction this radio documentary series for Dublin City FM, will explore the experience of Alzheimer’s Disease. Medical experts, family, carers, sufferers and artists all combine to shine a light on this condition.
  • Finscéalt Chiarraí: Scéalta Miotasacha ón Ríocht – This radio documentary series for Radio Kerry will take listeners on a magical journey through the enchanting folklore of Kerry and will be narrated by the vibrant voices of local school children in the Irish language.
  • Dying to get Ripped – this documentary series from Newstalk will give a voice to young men with eating disorders.

Round 53 will support the production of 35 projects for television, totalling €9 million and 56 radio projects, totalling over €1.1 million. 175 applications requesting over €21 million were submitted for consideration under Round 53 of the Sound & Vision Scheme and just over €10.1 million of funding awarded.

Approximately 30% of the recommended funding (over €3 million) will support the production of Irish/Bilingual projects, and 95% of the funding (over €9.6 million) goes directly to the independent production sector.

Round 53 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, with 13 projects across television and radio being allocated funding for programming focused on children and young people.

Extended Deadline – applications for new Journalism Schemes

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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.

Coimisiún na Meán launch consultation on revised Broadcasting Codes and Rules

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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:

  • Short News Reporting Code (draft) – which allows for short news extracts of events broadcast that are of interest to the public to be used by other broadcasters for the purposes of news reporting.

The consultation will run from 4th September 2024 until the 3rd of October 2024 and the consultation document can be found on our website.

Statement on Online Threats

Posted on by Aoife Molloy

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.

Extended Deadline – Consultation on draft Code and Rules for Video On Demand Services

Posted on by Aoife Molloy

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.

Coimisiún na Meán launch consultation on revised Rules to improve Accessibility of Television Broadcasters

Posted on by Aoife Molloy

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)


Coimisiún na Meán launches applications for new Journalism Schemes

Posted on by Aoife Molloy

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.

Coimisiún na Meán / Trinity School of Law Essay Prize 2024

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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.

Sound & Vision 4 Broadcasting Funding Scheme Round 54 Open 

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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.