Public Consultation on the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act

In September 2022, the European Commission published its proposal for a European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). EMFA aims to strengthen the internal market for media services and to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU, by harmonising different national rules and procedures.

Following negotiations, the proposal was adopted and entered into force in May 2024. The majority of the provisions of EMFA will apply from 8 August 2025.

Although EMFA is a regulation and directly applicable to Member States, some elements will require transposition into Irish law. The aim of this consultation is to provide a clear overview of the main provisions of EMFA, and to seek views on potential approaches to transposition.

The Department has prepared an explanatory note, covering the main provisions of EMFA, which sets out a number of questions on key aspects of the regulation. These questions are intended as a guide to structure responses, and there is no requirement to answer all questions.

Interested parties are invited to send their submissions by email to EMFA@tcagsm.gov.ie by 9 October 2024.

Please note that responses to this consultation are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014. Parties should clearly identify confidential or commercially sensitive information in their submission. However, parties should also note that any or all responses to the consultation are subject in their entirety to the provisions of the FOI Acts and may be published on the website of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The Department will redact any personal information prior to publication.

Following analysis of responses from stakeholders, the Department may engage bilaterally with stakeholders in order to explore certain issues in more detail.

Once the public consultation has concluded, the Department will review all submissions, adapt the proposed approach as necessary and finalise a proposal for consideration of the Minister. The Minister will then bring draft heads of Bill to government for approval and publication.

The closing date for submissions has now been extended until close of business Wednesday 9th October.