Press release
New media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, formally established
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, welcomed today’s formal establishment of Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s new authority responsible for overseeing the regulation of broadcasting and video-on-demand services and for introducing the new regulatory framework for online safety. The Minister also welcomed the commitment by Coimisiún na Meán to prepare and share its first work programme.
Coimisiún na Meán will be led by four Commissioners, who have been appointed by Minister Martin:
Minister Martin, said:
“I welcome the formal establishment of Coimisiún na Meán today. I have met with the incoming Executive Chairperson and Commissioners and know that they will form a dedicated and strong team.
“I look forward to working with them as we chart a new path for the regulation and development of the media sector in Ireland.”
The Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act 2022 was enacted on 10 December 2022. The OSMR Act 2022 amends the Broadcasting Act 2009 to establish Coimisiún na Meán, dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, establish a regulatory framework for online safety, update the regulation of broadcasting and video on-demand services, and transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive into Irish law.
Following open recruitment competitions run by the Public Appointments Service, on 17 January 2023 the Minister announced her intention to appoint the members of Coimisiún na Meán.
The Executive Chairperson and Commissioners took up their duties on an administrative basis on 13 February 2023. With effect from today, 15 March 2023, the Executive Chairperson and Commissioners take up their duties on a statutory basis.
On 22 February 2023, Minister Martin signed the necessary Ministerial Orders to establish Coimisiún na Meán and to commence relevant sections of the OSMR Act 2022, including those providing for the:
The relevant Orders are: