Public Service Media

In Ireland, our Public Service Media organisations—RTÉ and TG4—are licensed by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and regulated by Coimisiún na Meán.

RTÉ is part-funded by the licence fee and part-funded by commercial revenue. RTÉ has a broad remit, with responsibility for provision of radio and television services in both English and Irish. RTÉ is required to be responsive to the interests and concerns of the whole community within the island of Ireland, and to have special regard for elements that distinguish that culture and, in particular, the Irish language. 

TG4 is part-funded by the Irish Exchequer, with additional income from the sale of commercial airtime. TG4 has responsibility for the provision of a television service whose range of programming is primarily in the Irish language. TG4’s programming reflects the varied elements which make up the culture of the whole of the island of Ireland with special regard for elements that distinguish that culture and, in particular, the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) regions.

Both RTÉ and TG4 services are required to be available, as far as is reasonably practicable, to the whole community of the island of Ireland. All services are required to have the character of a public service and be free to air. RTÉ and TG4’s public objectives, functions, and statutory obligations are set out in sections 113 to 116 (RTÉ) and 117 to 119 (TG4) of The Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended)

Funding is currently provided on an annual basis. A revised system of multi-annual public funding for RTÉ, comprising TV licence system and Exchequer support, was agreed by the Government in July 2024. 

The Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) also provides for the licensing and oversight of Oireachtas TV, a broadcasting service in respect of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

What we do

As the regulator, we ensure Public Service Media organisations:    

• demonstrate transparency and accountability in their use of public funds, in accordance with the requirements of Irish and European law; and
• provide the level of service that the audience expects of them.

Every year, we assess RTÉ and TG4’s Annual Statements of Performance Commitments and conduct an annual review of public funding for both organisations. In addition, every five years, we undertake a review of the adequacy of public funding to enable RTÉ and TG4 to fulfil their statutory obligations. We also carry out Sectoral Impact Assessments and Joint Venture Assessments when necessary.    

Our work is platform neutral and encompasses all services (tv, radio, digital) provided by Public Service Media organisations. 

Coimisiún na Meán is people- and audience-focused, operating with trust, integrity and courage and delivering impact through independent decision making.