The Media Regulation Bill will implement the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), 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 general scheme published yesterday gives effect to the main elements of EMFA in Irish law. It will modernise Ireland’s existing media mergers framework and introduce new rules in relation to State expenditure on advertising.

Culture, communications and sport minister Patrick O’Donovan said: “A free and independent media is a cornerstone of democracy and plays a vital role in informing the public and holding powerful institutions and interests to account.

“EMFA will protect media freedom and pluralism across the EU, and provide a stable and safe environment for the media to operate and grow in.

“Ireland already has a robust regulatory framework designed to protect media freedom and independence, which is well aligned with EMFA, and the implementation of EMFA through the Media Regulation Bill will strengthen these existing protections.”

The general scheme proposes to amend the existing framework for media mergers under the Competition Act to align with EMFA, including bringing transactions involving online platforms into scope, and will see responsibility for the assessment of media mergers transfer from the minister to Coimisiún na Meán.

The legislation will also provide for increased transparency around state expenditure on advertising. Public bodies will be required to report annually on their advertising spend and Coimisiún na Meán will be tasked with monitoring and producing an annual report based on this information.

Mr O’Donovan said: “The media mergers regime is an essential element of Ireland’s regulatory framework for media and provides important protections for media plurality and diversity.

“It is vital that the media mergers regime operates effectively, and is modernised, as the media landscape, both in Ireland and internationally, continues to evolve.

“In assuming responsibility for the assessment of media mergers, Coimisiún na Meán will be able to leverage its experience and expertise in relation to media plurality.”

He added: “State advertising is an important source of income for many media outlets.

“The general scheme will introduce a new regulatory framework for state advertising and will provide for greater transparency around the allocation of public funds for advertising.”

The general scheme also proposes to designate Coimisiún na Meán as the body responsible for overseeing the development of a media ownership database and engaging with industry to promote transparency around audience measurement systems.