Public consultation on the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act

Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has today announced the launch of a public consultation on the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).

EMFA is a an EU regulation which puts in place new rules to protect media pluralism and independence and seeks to ensure that media can operate more easily across borders in the EU. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is leading the national implementation of the regulation and is now seeking submissions from interested parties to guide it in this work.

This consultation is to be informed by an Explanatory Note, prepared by the Department, which sets out the main provisions of EMFA and prompts a series of targeted questions on key aspects of the regulation.

Speaking today Minister Martin said:

“A free and pluralistic media is essential for healthy public debate and underpins our democracy. Ireland fully support EMFA’s objectives and its full implementation will strengthen the existing protections for media freedom and plurality in Ireland."

“I would encourage all interested parties and stakeholders to participate in this consultation and submit their views.”

Full details of the consultation can be viewed here . The consultation will be open for submissions until close of business on 2 October.

ENDS

Note for Editors:

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.

EMFA is wide-ranging and covers an array of media-related issues. EMFA includes measures on:

• the protection of the editorial freedom of media service providers from state interference, including the protection of journalistic sources;

• safeguards for the independence of public service media;

• transparency obligations on the ownership structures of media service providers;

• the establishment of a new European Board for Media Services, comprised of national regulators, to replace the existing European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services;

• a new regulatory framework for cooperation between national media regulators;

• safeguards against the removal of recognised media content by Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs);

• the assessment of media mergers which could have a significant impact on media plurality and editorial independence; and

• transparency requirements in relation to audience measurement systems and state advertising.

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.

Following the conclusion of the public consultation, the Department will review all submissions, before finalising a proposal for consideration of the Minister. The Minister will then bring draft heads of Bill to government for approval and publication.

The Department asks that all submissions to this consultation be returned to EMFA@tcagsm.gov.ie no later than close of business on 2 October.