€4M News Reporting Scheme: The Secret Weapon Set to Disrupt Public Interest Journalism and Create Untold Opportunities

Ever wonder why some crucial stories barely make a ripple in the vast ocean of news coverage? Well, Coimisiún na Meán is stepping up its game—rolling out not one, but three fresh rounds of journalism funding to tackle exactly that. With a hefty €4 million News Reporting Scheme, the aim is clear: spotlight those often overlooked issues from rural transport woes to the realities faced by marginalized groups, all without playing favorites between platforms. And here’s a twist worth noting—out of the €4m, a solid €3 million is earmarked specifically to fuel the commercial radio sector, recognizing their irreplaceable pulse in delivering trustworthy news nationwide. It’s a pilot scheme born from a commitment to a pluralistic, sustainable media landscape that the public can actually trust—something that gets me genuinely excited. The big question remains—how will this reshape the news we consume daily and the stories that come to light? Dive into the details and see how this funding wave might just be the fresh breath public interest journalism needs. LEARN MORE

Coimisiún na Meán has opened three new rounds of journalism funding, including a €4m News Reporting Scheme aimed at expanding coverage of under-reported issues across Ireland.

The scheme will support the creation of public interest content on a platform-neutral basis, targeting topics that are either at risk of under-provision or not substantially covered at present, both nationally and regionally.

Eligible areas include the impact of public policy, rural affairs, transport, sustainability, marginalised groups, and social and cultural issues with a news focus.

Of the €4m, €3m has been specifically allocated to commercial radio broadcasters by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD.

Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner with Coimisiún na Meán, said: “Coimisiún na Meán is committed to ensuring a media landscape that is sustainable, pluralistic, and participative, and one that consumers can trust.

“Our consistent support of high-quality public interest journalism on a platform-neutral basis strengthens the country’s media and news sectors, which is particularly important considering the Irish public’s strong appetite for news, as shown in the recent Reuters Digital News report.

“Our new News Reporting Scheme is being established on a pilot basis and will be reviewed after one year, with evaluations of this Scheme being used to inform future iterations.

“We would like to encourage all eligible applicants to apply for funding and we look forward to receiving feedback on the implementation of this new Journalism Scheme.”

Applications are open to regulated media service providers of news and current affairs, or freelance journalists working in partnership with such outlets.

Minister O’Donovan said: “Building on the success of Round 1 of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes, I am pleased to announce the allocation to Coimisiún na Meán of a further €6m for the continuation of these Schemes, which will enable media outlets to further strengthen their coverage of local authorities and the Courts.

“I am also pleased to see the introduction of a €4m News Reporting Scheme, which will enable media outlets to report on news topics that are not substantially covered at present.

“I am pleased to announce a specific allocation of €3m to the commercial radio sector through the News Reporting Scheme.

“The allocation recognises the important role of commercial radio services in providing high-quality, trustworthy and accurate news to the public.

“This allocation is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to provide accessible funding to support the provision of objective news and current affairs content and will complement the ongoing supports already provided to the commercial radio sector through the Sound and Vision Scheme.

“Commercial radio stations play an invaluable role in community engagement, cohesion and the promotion of social inclusion across the country and provide a crucial public service in the delivery of trusted information to our citizens.

“The funding will enhance the provision of high-quality public service content to both local and national audiences.”

Alongside the News Reporting Scheme, €6m in funding is available under round two of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes, which also opened today.

Round one, launched in 2024, created more than 100 new journalism roles.