Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Has the Minister read the Doughty Street Chambers report, which was commissioned by Ms Boylan? It describes us as having a perfect storm that threatens news plurality and undermines the media's ability to perform its function as a watchdog. This is important. INM publishes the Irish Independent, the Sunday Independent, theEvening Herald, the Sunday Worldand the Belfast Telegraphand has a 50% stake in the Daily Star. The Communicorp Group, which is owned by the same shareholder, controls Newstalk, Today FM, 98 FM, SPIN 1038 and SPIN South West, or approximately 20% of the entire market.

The legislation is clear on this and gives the Minister powers. The 2014 Act refers to "the undesirability of allowing any one undertaking to hold significant interests [which is defined as in excess of a 20% share] within a sector or across different sectors of media business in the State". We cannot have a situation in which one or two individuals can control such large chunks of influence and power.

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