Accessibility of audiovisual media services

The guidance below relates to the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and Ireland’s implementing legislation, S.I. No. 636/2023. It is intended for economic operators that may be considered to provide access to audiovisual media services (AVMS).

The EAA, an EU Directive (Directive 2019/882), establishes minimum accessibility requirements for certain products and services across the EU, with the goal of enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities and ensuring a harmonised internal market. It aims to enhance the participation of people with disabilities in the single market by removing accessibility barriers that impede their access to products and services. In Ireland, these minimum accessibility requirements become enforceable from 28 June 2025.

We, Coimisiún na Meán, are the body designated under S.I. 636/2023 as the compliance authority responsible for ensuring that services providing access to audiovisual media services (AVMS) comply with the accessibility requirements outlined in the legislation.

The term ‘economic operator’ refers to any company or organisation subject to the accessibility obligations set out in the EAA and S.I. No. 636/2023.

What are the main goals of the EAA?

The main goals of the EAA are to:

  • increase the availability of accessible products and services across the EU.
  • ensure that accessibility requirements are consistently applied to the manufacturing and sale of products and services across the EU.

Regulatory role of Coimisiún na Meán

Coimisiún na Meán is designated as the compliance authority with oversight responsibilities for services providing access to AVMS. AVMS are television broadcasting services and audiovisual on-demand (video on-demand) media services. Our responsibilities include monitoring compliance, receiving and addressing complaints from the public, and enforcing the obligations places on service providers. Additionally, we are tasked with considering and deciding on any requests for exemptions from these requirements. We are also required to publish relevant information to ensure transparency and are committed to ongoing stakeholder engagement.  We will take a proportionate approach to regulating the EAA. We aim to provide support and reassurance to help industry understand and comply with these new obligations.

We recognise that economic operators may vary in size, capability and level of familiarity with accessibility legislation. Accordingly, our approach will aim to:

  • Offer information on regulatory expectations
  • Promote best practice and the adoption of relevant accessibility standards
  • Facilitate constructive dialogue between the regulator and industry, and
  • Apply enforcement measures proportionately, fairly and consistently

What services does Coimisiún na Meán have responsibility for?

Coimisiún na Meán is responsible under the EAA for services that provide access to audiovisual media services. These may include:

  • Smart TV interfaces and set-top box software
  • Electronic programme guides (EPGs)
  • Online and mobile applications
  • TV and streaming platforms
  • Content aggregators

Television broadcasters and video on-demand providers themselves have separate accessibility responsibilities under different European legislation.  You can find out more about these in the Access Rules for television broadcasters and the Media Service Code and Rules for audiovisual on-demand media service providers.

Coimisiún na Meán does not have responsibility over the products that provide these services, such as smart TVs, smart speakers, mobile phones or laptops, or services providing access to audio-only services.

Resources

To learn more about the European Accessibility Act:

To learn more about standards:

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