Public consultation launched on new Broadcasting Services Strategy

Coimisiún na Meán has today (28.09.2026) launched its public consultation on a new Broadcasting Services Strategy (BSS). The Strategy aims to set out a clear direction on An Coimisiún’s approach to the licensing of radio and television broadcasting services and 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. Among the proposals by An Coimisiún are to respond to changing audience expectations of Irish media, enhance the provision of the choice and quality of Irish culturally resonant content and safeguard the local character of the independent media, while also giving greater flexibility in the regulatory system for radio broadcasters, recognising how audiences watch, listen and engage with broadcast media has changed. The Strategy proposes exploring opportunities for new audio and audiovisual service provision.  It also seeks views on future legislative reform.  

Speaking at the launch of the consultation today, 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 Broadcasting Services Strategy is to facilitate the development of a responsible, vibrant, responsive, and sustainable independent broadcasting sector that will serve the needs of the people of the island of Ireland, taking into account the increasing cultural diversity of audiences.