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Dublin, 2 July 2025 – Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has secured Cabinet approval for the General Scheme of the Media Regulation Bill, a key step in transposing the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) into Irish law.
The EMFA, an EU regulation adopted earlier this year, aims to strengthen media pluralism and independence across the European Union and facilitate cross-border media operations. The proposed Irish legislation will modernise media regulation in line with EU requirements and enhance transparency in state advertising.
“A free and independent media is a cornerstone of democracy,” Minister O’Donovan stated. “The Media Regulation Bill will reinforce existing protections and ensure Ireland’s framework remains fit for purpose in a changing media environment.”
Key Provisions of the General Scheme
- Media Mergers Reform: The current framework under the Competition Act will be updated. Notably, media mergers involving digital and online platforms will now fall within scope.
- Transfer of Responsibilities: The responsibility for assessing media mergers will move from the Minister to Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s media regulator, allowing for more expert-led oversight.
- Transparency in State Advertising: Public bodies will be required to report annually on advertising expenditures. Coimisiún na Meán will compile and publish an annual report on these figures.
- Media Ownership and Audience Metrics: Coimisiún na Meán will be tasked with maintaining a media ownership database and promoting transparency in audience measurement systems.
Minister O’Donovan underscored the importance of the reforms:
“These changes will help ensure that media diversity is preserved, and that state advertising – a vital income source for many media outlets – is allocated in a transparent and accountable manner.”
The approval of the General Scheme paves the way for the drafting of the full Bill, with publication and further legislative scrutiny expected later this year.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD Picture from X by @offtheball’s
