Coimisiún na Meán has today (28.09.2026) launched its public consultation on a new Broadcasting Services Strategy (BSS). The Strategy aims to set out a clear direction on An Coimisiún’s approach to the licensing of radio and television broadcasting services and inform its licensing plans over a multi-year period.
The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on the future direction of licensing and the related regulatory framework. Among the proposals by An Coimisiún are to respond to changing audience expectations of Irish media, enhance the provision of the choice and quality of Irish culturally resonant content and safeguard the local character of the independent media, while also giving greater flexibility in the regulatory system for radio broadcasters, recognising how audiences watch, listen and engage with broadcast media has changed. The Strategy proposes exploring opportunities for new audio and audiovisual service provision. It also seeks views on future legislative reform.
Speaking at the launch of the consultation today, Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner, Aoife MacEvilly said: “The media landscape has changed dramatically over the past several years. Audience behaviours have evolved; new technologies and distribution methods have emerged; broadcasters operate as multiplatform media providers; and competition from global digital services has intensified.
One of the key aims of our proposed new Broadcasting Services Strategy is to facilitate the development of a responsible, vibrant, responsive, and sustainable independent broadcasting sector that will serve the needs of the people of the island of Ireland, taking into account the increasing cultural diversity of audiences.
The consultation builds on extensive audience research, market analysis, audience and media consumption research, stakeholder engagement and technical assessments undertaken by An Coimisiún during 2025 and 2026. I would encourage the public and broadcasters alike to take this opportunity to have their say and contribute to the conversation on the future development of Ireland’s independent media landscape.”
The proposed new Strategy will be operational over a period of ongoing structural change in the broadcast media sector and includes a wide range of proposals relating to:
- Future radio licensing FM and DAB+;
- Localness, regionality and community value;
- Future television licensing and DTT;
- Outcome-based regulation and multi-platform delivery;
- AI and emerging technologies; and
- Future regulatory framework
The closing date for submissions is 09 November 2026.
Reports
- Value of Independent Media (PDF), Bricolage, September 2025
- Screens, Streams and Airwaves: Exploring Ireland’s Media Consumption Habits and Perspectives on Broadcast and Public Services Media (PDF), RED C Research, November 2025
- Market Analysis of the Independent Broadcasting Sector (PDF), Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants, March 2026