Minister O’Donovan announces €10 million allocation to support public interest journalism
- Published on: 15 August 2025
- Last updated on: 15 September 2025
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan has today (15 August) announced an allocation of €10 million to Coimisiún na Meán to support public interest journalism. €6 million is being allocated for Round 2 of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes, with a further €4 million being allocated for the introduction of a News Reporting Scheme.
Speaking today, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said:
"Building on the success of Round 1 of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes, I am pleased to announce the allocation to Coimisiún na Meán of a further €6 million for the continuation of these Schemes, which will enable media outlets to further strengthen their coverage of local authorities and the Courts. I am also pleased to see the introduction of a €4 million News Reporting Scheme, which will enable media outlets to report on news topics that are not substantially covered at present."
As part of this allocation, Minister O’Donovan has asked Coimisiún na Méan to include a ring-fenced measure worth €3 million for commercial radio under the News Reporting Scheme.
The ring-fenced funding will enable commercial radio services to provide additional high-quality news reporting on matters of public interest.
In relation to the specific €3 million allocation for commercial radio, Minister O’Donovan said:
"I am pleased to announce a specific allocation of €3 million to the commercial radio sector through the News Reporting Scheme. The allocation recognises the important role of commercial radio services in providing high-quality, trustworthy and accurate news to the public.
"This allocation is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to provide accessible funding to support the provision of objective news and current affairs content and will complement the ongoing supports already provided to the commercial radio sector through the Sound and Vision Scheme.
"Commercial radio stations play an invaluable role in community engagement, cohesion and the promotion of social inclusion across the country and provide a crucial public service in the delivery of trusted information to our citizens. The funding will enhance the provision of high-quality public service content to both local and national audiences."
Notes
A total of €16 million was allocated in Budget 2025 to support the production of public interest journalism. €6 million has been allocated to the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Scheme, with €4 million allocated to the News Reporting Scheme. Further details on the remaining €6 million in funding will be announced in due course.
The €6 million allocated to the Local Democracy Scheme will operate on a platform neutral and contestable basis.
The €4 million News Reporting Scheme comprises a specific €3 million allocation for commercial radio sector along with a general €1 million allocation for the rest of the media sector.
Further information in relation to the €10 million allocation and details on the application process will be made available by Coimisiún na Meán shortly.