Journalism schemes
The Journalism Schemes provide funding to supplement and enhance coverage of local authorities and district and circuit court hearings, and news reporting that is under-provided for or at risk of under-provision. These have been established following a recommendation from the Report of the Future of Media Commission.
The Schemes will support both the media sector and high-quality accessible public interest journalism across Ireland.
News Reporting Scheme
The key objective of this Scheme is to support and enhance the vital role of media service providers in reporting on news matters that are not substantially provided for at present, or are at risk of under-provision.
Round 1
Status: Applications open
Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
The key objective of this Scheme is to ensure that local media contains quality reporting on public institutions and authorities, where issues of importance to citizens are considered.
Round 2
Status: Applications open
Courts Reporting Scheme
The key objective of this Scheme is to support and enhance the vital role of media service providers in quality reporting on court proceedings at a local and regional level.
Round 2
Status: Applications open
How to apply
A Guide for Applications is published for each funding round. All applications need to be submitted via our portal, below.
Upcoming and current funding rounds
| Funding Round # | Round Theme/Format | Opening Date | Closing Date | Funding Decisions Expected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | News Reporting Scheme | 15 August 2025 | 23 September 2025 | TBC |
| 2 | Local Democracy Reporting Scheme | 15 August 2025 | 23 September 2025 | TBC |
| 2 | Courts Reporting Scheme | 15 August 2025 | 23 September 2025 | TBC |
| 1 | Digital Transformation Scheme | September 2025 |
Recent funding decisions
Read about the outcomes of our most recent funding rounds:
External assessors
Applications are assessed by teams of external assessors chosen based on their relevant experience and the theme or format of each round.
Expressions of Interest for Expert Assessors
Coimisiún na Meán is seeking, on an ongoing basis, to engage suitably experienced candidates to act as Expert Assessors to assess grant applications for the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme (LDRS) and Courts Reporting Scheme (CRS), and for the upcoming Digital Transformation and News Reporting Schemes.