Ireland’s Broadcasting Amendment Bill proposes major changes to the governance, funding and oversight of RTÉ, TG4 and the wider public service media sector. The legislation is designed to improve transparency, protect editorial independence and deliver stronger value for public money.
The Bill was approved by Government on 19 May 2026 and published on 27 May 2026. It follows recommendations from the Future of Media Commission and an independent review of RTÉ’s governance and culture.
Broadcasting Amendment Bill strengthens public media oversight
A central feature of the Broadcasting Amendment Bill is the assignment of the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of RTÉ. This will include annual audits, potential value-for-money examinations and special reports where required.
The legislation also strengthens the responsibilities of the RTÉ and TG4 boards. Their duties will include clearer arrangements for managing and holding their Directors General accountable. In line with the European Media Freedom Act, Government will no longer have a role in appointing a Director General.
Audience Councils for both broadcasters will also gain greater independence. Members are to be appointed by Coimisiún na Meán following a public competition.
Three-year performance and funding reviews
Under the proposed system, Coimisiún na Meán will assess the funding needs and performance targets of RTÉ and TG4 through three-year appraisals. The first appraisal is expected to cover 2028 to 2030 and be submitted by 30 June 2027.
Annual reviews will examine whether performance targets were met, whether funding was adequate and whether State-aid requirements were followed. RTÉ and TG4 will also prepare three-year strategies rather than their current five-year plans.
Public service content and the independent production sector
The Bill creates a broader framework for public service content covering audiovisual and audio programmes, eligible press publications and certain online material. The framework is intended to support content that informs, educates or entertains audiences in both Irish and English.
The existing Broadcasting Fund would become Ciste na Meán, funded through 7% of net television licence fee receipts alongside Exchequer funding. Coimisiún na Meán would operate schemes supporting new content and the development of media providers.
RTÉ would also be required to allocate at least 25% of its public funding each year to its independent programmes account. Eligible commissions could include podcasts, radio programmes and audiovisual content made exclusively for RTÉ Player.
What the proposed ‘Netflix levy’ means
The legislation introduces additional safeguards around any European Works levy, commonly called the “Netflix levy”. Coimisiún na Meán could impose or revoke the levy only following a direction from the Minister, supported by three-year impact reports.
Additional powers for Coimisiún na Meán
The Broadcasting Amendment Bill would expand Coimisiún na Meán’s information-gathering powers for supervising Ireland’s Online Safety Framework. It would also regulate RTÉ and TG4 podcasts and web pages in a manner aligned with broadcast content.
These measures sit within a wider public administration landscape that includes gov.ie, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and other public bodies responsible for regulation, finance, accountability and public services.
What happens next?
The Bill represents a significant proposed update to Ireland’s broadcasting framework, but its practical impact will depend on the legislative process and subsequent implementation. If enacted, it would create more structured oversight of RTÉ and TG4 while giving the independent production sector a clearer funding commitment.
The key takeaway: the Broadcasting Amendment Bill aims to combine stronger public accountability with greater independence for Ireland’s public service media, while extending support for diverse Irish content across television, radio, podcasts and online platforms.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
