Coimisiún na Meán has today (12.10.2026) published updated Guidance for Public Service Media on Codes of Fair-Trading Practice, aimed at supporting fair, transparent and sustainable processes between RTÉ and TG4 and Ireland’s independent production sector.
Pursuant to section 112 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, Coimisiún na Meán is required to issue and periodically review guidance to assist RTÉ and TG4 in preparing their Codes of Fair-Trading Practice for commissioning programmes from independent producers.
The updated Guidance sets expectations for commissioning processes, contract negotiations, rights acquisition, commercial exploitation, production funding principles, multi-annual commissioning, and dispute resolution, while recognising the public service responsibilities of RTÉ and TG4 and the contribution of independent producers to Irish media and cultural output.
The previous Guidance was published in 2017. Since then, rapid technological and commercial change, including the growth of streaming and on-demand services, evolving production and distribution models, and greater personalisation of media consumption, has transformed the operating environment. Updating the Guidance is therefore essential to ensure that it remains practical, relevant and responsive to the needs of the sector.
Key additions include new provisions addressing technological developments, including AI-generated content and AI tools, with an emphasis on monitoring significant technological change and adapting Codes where necessary. The Guidance also introduces a requirement for dedicated duty-of-care provisions for staff and contributors and strengthened expectations on environmental sustainability. Throughout, it emphasises flexibility, certainty, transparency and fairness, while recognising the public service responsibilities and legitimate commercial interests of all parties.
The Guidance was informed by extensive stakeholder engagement, including research undertaken as part of the Five-Year Review of Public Funding for Public Service Media, and independent submissions from key industry stakeholders. An Coimisiún also consulted with RTÉ, TG4 and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport on the development of the revised guidance.
Coimisiún na Meán has also published a Response to Consultation document alongside the Guidance, summarising the main issues raised. All stakeholder submissions were given due regard in the preparation of the Guidance; however, the final content reflects the independent position of Coimisiún na Meán.