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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Coimisiún na Meán has announced details of upcoming funding rounds under the Sound & Vision 4 Scheme.
Round 53 – Sound & Vision ‘Open’ Round
Round 53 opened on 9 April for broadcasters and independent producers to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language. This round closes at noon on Thursday, 30 May 2024. Funding decisions are envisaged to be available in August 2024.
**NEW**Round 54 – Sound & Vision – Special Round to support the production of content focused on the voice of immigrant and new Irish Communities
Round 54 will open on 27 June for broadcasters and independent producers to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language focused on the voice of immigrant and new Irish Communities. This round will close at noon on Thursday, 8 August 2024. Funding decisions are envisaged to be available in November 2024. This round has up to €2 million euros available and is financed by additional exchequer funding secured by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD.
Round 55 – Sound & Vision ‘Open’ Round
Round 55 will open on 15 October for broadcasters and independent producers to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language. This round closes at noon on Thursday, 28 November 2024. Funding decisions are envisaged to be available by late February 2025.
Relevant Guidelines and Application Forms for each round will be published on the Coimisiún na Meán website on the round opening date. Webinars will also be held for prospective applicants. All applications must be submitted via www.cnamonline.ie
| Sound & Vision 4 | Opening Date | Applicant Webinar | Closing Date | Decisions Expected |
| Round 53 | Tuesday 9th April 2024 | Tuesday 16th April 2024 | Thursday 30th May 12 noon | Late August 2024 |
| Round 54 | Thursday 27th June 2024 | Tuesday 2nd July 2024 | Thursday 8th August 12noon | Late October 2024 |
| Round 55 | Tuesday 15th October 2024 | Tuesday 22nd October 2024 | Thursday 28th November 12 noon | Late February 2025 |
For any Sound & Vision specific enquiries please contact: info@cnam.ie
Coimisiún na Meán has today (30.04.24) 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 European and Local Elections and the election for a directly elected Mayor of Limerick, scheduled to take place on 7th June next. The Guidelines come into effect from Tuesday 7th May 2024 and apply to coverage of the elections until the closing of polling stations on 7th June 2024.
The Guidelines highlight different approaches that may be taken to the allocation of airtime for coverage of candidates and political parties as well as the risks of ‘deepfakes’. Existing provisions are retained which relate to the management of conflicts of interest, the prohibition on political advertising and coverage of opinion polls.
Other matters addressed include on-air contributions via social media and a prohibition on broadcasters and presenters encouraging listeners or viewers to vote in support of or against any particular outcome in the elections. The Guidelines also encourage broadcasters to include a range of voices and opinions in their coverage, including a mix of views representing social, gender and cultural diversity.
Speaking about the publication of the Guidelines, Coimisiún na Meán’s Media Development Commissioner, Rónán Ó Domhnaill said: “Broadcasters play an important and valuable role in communicating information about elections to the Irish public. This is achieved via accurate, fair, objective and impartial coverage.
“The Guidelines retain the moratorium on election coverage. This requires broadcasters to limit coverage of the elections from 2pm on the day prior to an election or referendum and remains in place until the closing of the polls on the day of the election or referendum (10pm).
“When the statutory review of the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs, which provides the basis for the Guidelines, was undertaken in 2022, there was a clear call from industry stakeholders for the moratorium to be removed, while public stakeholders had mixed views about its retention or removal. Having regard to these findings, Coimisiún na Meán has committed to carrying out a review of the broadcast moratorium in the second half of this year, including the undertaking of a public consultation. It is intended to complete this review and publish updated Guidelines dealing with the moratorium in Quarter 4 2024, if warranted by the review.’’
Coimisiún na Meán (“the Commission”) today (21.03.24) placed a public notice in a national paper seeking expressions of interests from parties interested in securing a sound broadcasting contract (“Contract”) for the provision of the service/s listed below.
Munster
The Contract, currently held by WKW FM Limited and broadcasting as Beat 102-103, is due to expire on 30 March 2025.
The Contract, currently held by Raidió Chiarraí Teoranta and broadcasting as Radio Kerry, is due to expire on 9 April 2025.
The Contract, currently held by County Media Limited and broadcasting the above services, is due to expire on 30 April 2025.
Connaught-Ulster
The Contract, currently held by Donegal Highland Radio Limited and broadcasting as Highland Radio, is due to expire on 30 March 2025.
The Contract, currently held by North West Broadcasting Limited and broadcasting as Ocean FM, is due to expire on 30 March 2025.
Leinster, excluding Dublin City and County
The Contract, currently held by C.K. Broadcasting Limited and broadcasting as KCLR 96FM, is due to expire on 21 April 2025.
The Contract, currently held by Midlands Community Radio Services Limited and broadcasting as Midlands 103, is due to expire on 30 March 2025.
Dublin City and County
The Contract, currently held by Bauer Audio Ireland Limited acting as a general partner of Bauer Audio Ireland LP and broadcasting as Spin103.8, is due to expire on 5 April 2025.
The Contract, currently held by Star Broadcasting Limited and broadcasting as Sunshine 106.8, is due to expire on 30 March 2025.
Interested parties should carefully read the Commission’s relevant Guide for Expressions of Interest and then complete in full the Expression of Interest form for the relevant service or services. The guides and forms for the above sound broadcasting services are available at the links above or on request from the Commission’s offices (email: licensing@cnam.ie or call 01 644 1200).
New applicants should also reference the Indicative Guide for Competitive Licensing here.
Parties interested in submitting expressions of interest to the Commission should do so by 12 noon on Monday, 20 May 2024.
Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s new body for regulating broadcasters, on-demand services, and online media, and supporting media development, has today (09.01.24) published details of the designation of ten services as named video-sharing platform services.
The designation process for these services was completed during December 2023.
The designated services are:
The draft Online Safety Code, which is currently subject to public consultation, can be applied to these services. The finalised Code will form part of Ireland’s overall online safety framework. This framework will make a range of online services legally accountable for how they keep people safe online. This framework is based on the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, the EU Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation.
ENDS
Media contact: Joanne Ahern / Síona Cahill, DHR Communications, Tel: 087-9881837 / 087 -7530255
All other queries: Coimisiún na Meán, 01-6441200.
About Coimisiún na Meán:
Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland’s new commission for regulating broadcasters, on-demand services and online media, and supporting media development. Established in March 2023 under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, it builds on the work of its predecessor, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. It is responsible for ensuring and maintaining a thriving and diverse media landscape in Ireland that facilitates a mix of voices, opinions and sources of news and current affairs, as well as a safe online environment.
Its responsibilities are to:
About Designation:
Under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, Coimisiún na Meán is responsible for regulating video-sharing platforms which have their EU base in Ireland.
By law, Coimisiún na Meán is required to designate video-sharing platform services, the provider of which is under the jurisdiction of the State, as a category of services to which an online safety code may be applied. Notice of this designation was published on 14 August 2023 and the designation took effect on 11 September 2023. Coimisiún na Meán must also designate as a named service any relevant online service that appears to be a VSPS where the provider of the service is under the jurisdiction of the State.
Round 52 of the Sound & Vision Broadcasting Funding Scheme is open for Applications. Up to €750,000 is available for Social Benefit projects for community radio and television.
Round 52 – Guide for Applicants
All applications must be submitted via www.cnamonline.ie
An Coimisiún will run a Zoom webinar for prospective applicants at 12.00 Noon on Thursday, the 11th of January. Please register here for the applicant webinar.
The Round will close at 12 noon on Thursday, 8th February 2024.
ENDS
