State media regulator Coimisiún na Meán’s public consultation on the future of Public Service Media is set to close Friday, May 23rd, before which time it wants to hear from the public what they “want, need and value” in Irish Public Service Media, as well as what they’d like to see more of in the future.
Public Service Media (PSM) are publicly owned and funded organisations, with two such media organisations set out in Irish law: RTÉ and TG4.
The ‘Call for Inputs’ notes that such PSM have a responsibility to:
Questions seek to gauge respondents’ engagement with Irish PSM, as well as their thoughts on its quality and content.
One question asks respondents whether they feel “well represented by Irish Public Service Media”.
Context is provided by the media regulator for all of the questions, with respondents variously informed that PSM “should inform, educate, and entertain audiences through a wide range of content,” while also reflecting “the diversity of Irish society (including different cultures, languages, and communities) and represent a wide range of perspectives and interests,” among other things.
The survey takes 15 minutes to complete, is anonymous, and can be filled out multiple times as a result.
Commenting on the launch of the consultation, Coimisiún na Meán Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner Aoife MacEvilly said that ensuring that Ireland’s media landscape serves the needs of Irish audiences is “a priority for Coimisiún na Meán”.
“We know that the media landscape is constantly evolving, technology is changing and the way audiences engage with content is transforming rapidly. The Call for Inputs that we are launching today is a great opportunity for people across Ireland to have their say on the future of Public Service Media.
‘’The Public Service Broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4, and the licensed broadcasters all have a crucial role to play in educating, entertaining and informing the public. This Call for Inputs is the first step to developing a new Position Paper on Audience Needs and the Principles and Values of Public Service Media, which will be completed in 2026.
“I would encourage the public to take this opportunity to let us know their thoughts by Friday 23 May, and to help us shape Ireland’s media landscape into the future,” Ms MacEvilly said.