Written answers

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Media Mergers

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1010. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has considered the need for rules for media organisations regarding the character or professional reputation of potential investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24235/18]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Mergers and acquisitions in respect of media organisations in the State are subject to a robust regulatory regime.

Firstly, as a result of amendments made to the Competition Act 2002 by the Competition & Consumer Protection Act 2014, mergers and acquisitions involving one or more media businesses must be notified to me as Minister. Following an assessment of the proposed media merger's impact on the plurality of media in the State, including in relation to diversity of ownership, editorial ethos, governance and ownership and control, I must make a determination whether or not the proposed media merger may proceed.

The examinations of all previous proposed media mergers conducted by my Department are available on my Department’s ,as are a number of supplementary materials and a concerning the media mergers process.

Secondly, the Broadcasting Act 2009 requires the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to ensure the provision of open and pluralistic broadcasting services; to promote diversity in viewpoint, outlet and source, and to promote diversity in control of the more influential commercial and community broadcasting services.

One way in which the BAI achieve these goals is to assess licence applications and proposals for ownership and control changes under the BAI Ownership and Control Policy 2012, including in relation to character, expertise and experience. This Policy is currently under review by the Authority.

Further information regarding the work of the Authority can be found on its.

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