The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has welcomed the publication of Coimisiún na Meán’s first work programme.
Coimisiún na Meán’s first work programme sets out a range of goals for the period up to 17th February 2024, when Coimisiún na Meán will officially begin its role as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), an EU regulation which came into law last November.
Deliverables include the adoption of the first online safety code by the end of this year, regulating broadcasting and on-demand services, and operating funding schemes to support the development of content for Irish audiences.
Under the ‘Media Development’ chapter, the organisation outline their aims in regards to said funding schemes. This includes:
- The Sound & Vision scheme, that supports the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including in the Irish language.
- Two new journalism schemes to support reporting of local courts and local democracy.
- An archiving scheme to support the preservation of the historic record of Irish culture, heritage and experience.
Coimisiún na Meán will continue media development activities previously conducted by the BAI. This includes initiatives that aim to increase media literacy among the public (both in regards to broadcast and online content), and promoting good environmental practice in the media sector.
“The programme will implement a number of the priority actions set out in the Future of Media Commission Implementation Strategy and Action Plan, which I published in January this year,” said Minister Martin speaking today. “In particular, I welcome the commitments to publish a Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and to commence a comprehensive review of Irish language media services. Coimisiún na Meán will have my full support in delivering this ambitious and vital work programme.”
A Gender, Equality, Inclusion, and Diversity strategy is set to be completed by the end of the year. This strategy will aim to ensure greater representation in these areas across all media.
Coimisiún na Meán promotes and supports Irish language content for Irish audiences. They will begin reviewing the delivery of Irish language services across the media landscape this year.
In conjunction with the Shared Island initiative, the organisation will explore opportunities for media organisations on both sides of the border to collaborate. They hope to establish a group with Sport Ireland to develop a strategic plan for sports broadcasting.
Click here to view Coimisiún na Meán publishes first work programme.
