Coimisiún na Meán has launched its public consultation on a new Broadcasting Services Strategy (BSS). The BSS aims to set out a clear direction for Coimisiún na Meán’s approach to licensing radio and television broadcasting services and to inform its licensing plans over a multi-year period.
The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on the future direction of licensing and the related regulatory framework. The consultation document outlines the findings of the review process to date and presents Coimisiún na Meán’s preliminary views on a range of licensing policy proposals for consultation.
The consultation seeks views on the following BSS proposals:
• BSS general principles;
• BSS objectives;
• Future radio licensing (FM and DAB+);
• Localness, regionality, and community value;
• Future television licensing (analogue, DTT and IPTV);
• Outcome-based regulation and multi-platform content;
• Artificial intelligence (“AI”) and emerging technologies; and
• Future regulatory framework.
Speaking at the launch of the consultation, Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner Aoife MacEvilly, said: “The media landscape has changed dramatically over the past several years. Audience behaviours have evolved; new technologies and distribution methods have emerged; broadcasters operate as multiplatform media providers; and competition from global digital services has intensified.
One of the key aims of our proposed new BSS is to support the development of a responsible, vibrant, responsive, and sustainable independent broadcasting sector that serves the needs of the people of the island of Ireland, while considering the increasing cultural diversity of audiences.
The consultation builds on extensive audience research, market analysis, audience and media consumption research, stakeholder engagement and technical assessments undertaken by Coimisiún na Meán during 2025 and 2026. I would encourage the public and broadcasters alike to take this opportunity to have their say and contribute to the conversation on the future development of Ireland’s independent media landscape.”
Coimisiún na Meán invites submissions from members of the public, broadcasters, industry stakeholders, community media organisations, civil society groups, and public bodies. Responses received will inform the revised BSS, which is expected to be published by the end of 2026.
The closing date for submissions is 9 November 2026.
