Ms Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin:

I thank the Cathaoirleach and committee members for the invitation to attend today. I am joined by my colleague, Peter McCarthy, general council and vice president of corporate affairs.

Virgin Media Television supports the overall proposals outlined in the general scheme of the broadcasting (amendment) Bill. We welcome, in particular, the creation of the media fund on a legislative basis. This proposed amendment affects Virgin Media Television directly and is a critical step towards a more equitable and pluralistic media environment. Virgin Media Television is Ireland’s only independent, national, commercial public service broadcaster operating under the provisions of sections 70 and 71 of the Broadcasting Act. Virgin Media Television is entirely funded through advertising and commercial revenues and is the only Irish broadcaster with a public service content remit that is not in receipt of public funding. When it launched in 1998, the broadcasting landscape was very different with fewer linear players and no digital platforms in the market. Fast forward to 2025, competition from digital and linear broadcasters has expanded exponentially. The advertising market in which we are competing is ever more challenging. The digital sector takes 58% of total advertising revenue valued at €1.5 billion in Ireland. TV receives just 17% of available money. There are now 66 channels taking commercial revenue from Ireland, 60 of which are operating without any public service content remit.

The importance of media plurality in the Irish TV broadcasting sector cannot be overstated. It is crucial for ensuring a diverse and democratic society. Virgin Media Television is proud of the valuable public service programming we deliver. We keep the nation informed through trusted news and current affairs, while our podcast series "The Group Chat" brings viewers behind the scenes of the news. This is complemented by in-depth reportage on our social media channels, with the focus on media literacy and bringing news to younger audiences in an accessible fashion on platforms where they are most active. Last year, Ireland AM celebrated 25 years of delivering quality public service content. During that time Ireland AM has showcased more than 34,000 businesses, thousands of charities and has reached in excess of 4,000 communities across our island. The show continues to attract nearly 1 million individual viewers monthly. However, delivering our public service content remit on a purely commercial basis is not viable under current funding arrangements. The proposed media fund is welcome, but it is worth noting that the funding allocation is based on additionality only. The challenge to maintain our existing remit and output remains. This is not simply a matter of funding; it is a matter of underpinning the presence and depth of Irish public service broadcasting in Ireland for the future.

Virgin Media Television welcomes the opportunity to contribute and engage further with the committee on the general scheme.