The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, has announced the appointment of Ms. Aoife MacEvilly as Commissioner for Broadcasting and Video on Demand in Coimisiún na Meán.
MacEvilly will join the Executive Chair and three Commissioners in Coimisiún na Meán.
She will lead on the implementation of Coimisiún na Meán’s new functions in relation to Video On Demand, as well as taking responsibility for the organisation’s pre-existing broadcasting regulatory functions.
Working closely with the Media Development Commissioner, Rónán Ó Domhnaill, MacEvilly will play a key leadership role in the development and implementation of Coimisiún na Meán’s strategies, policies and procedures in relation to the media landscape, as well as contributing to the broader work of the organisation.
Speaking today, Minister Catherine Martin said:
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Aoife MacEvilly as Commissioner for Broadcasting and Video on Demand in Coimisiún na Meán. This is a key appointment, not only in terms of ensuring the effective regulation of the audio and audiovisual media sector, but also in relation to promoting the development of a robust, sustainable, and pluralistic media sector which serves the needs of audiences.”
Speaking about this new appointment, Executive Chair of Coimisiún na Meán, Jeremy Godfrey said:
“We are delighted to have Aoife join us as our Broadcasting and On-Demand Commissioner. Her experience and expertise will be hugely valuable as we continue to shape and develop our growing organisation.
“We look forward to Aoife using her regulatory experience and public benefit focus to lead our work in areas such as funding for public service media, the development of the regulatory framework for broadcasting and VOD, and our handling of user complaints.”
Prior to the appointment, Aoife MacEvilly was a member of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) from October 2014 to July 2024, and was appointed Chairperson from February 2020 to 2023. Her lead responsibilities included empowering and protecting customers, supporting active customers and communities and ensuring safe, secure, and sustainable supplies of energy and water.
MacEvilly previously worked in the Department of Environment, Climate, and Communications and in the private sector. She holds a BA in European Business and German from Ulster University, a Professional Diploma in Regulatory Governance from UCD, and an MA in Leadership from UCD Smurfit.
The Key functions of the Broadcasting and Video on Demand Commissioner will include: Oversee the licencing of independent television and radio services under Part 6 of the Broadcasting Act 2009; Oversee the regulation of public service broadcasting in accordance with Part 7 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 as amended; In close cooperation with the Media Development Commissioner, and relevant stakeholders, lead on the implementation of the Future of Media Commission Implementation Strategy & Action Plan as this relates to public service media, and the commercial and community broadcasting sectors; Oversee the review, development and implementation of codes and rules for TV and sound broadcasting and for Video On Demand services; and Oversee the review, development and application of a compliance and enforcement framework for broadcasting audio and audiovisual services.
Under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, Coimisiún na Meán is responsible for overseeing the regulatory framework for broadcasting services, video-on-demand services and online safety, and supporting the development of the wider media sector in Ireland.
Coimisiún na Meán was formally established on 15 March 2023. It is a multi-person commission and is led by an Executive Chairperson and four Commissioners.
The Digital Services Act 2024 was commenced on 16 February this year by the Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This Act designates CnaM as the DSC (Digital Services Coordinator) for Ireland under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA). Legislation is also being brought forward by the Minister of Justice to designate CnaM as and a competent authority under the Terrorism Content Online Regulation (TCOR).
€10.5m in exchequer funding was allocated through the Revised Estimates to support the establishment of Coimsiún na Meán in 2023, including €7.6m to cover costs associated with the implementation of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 and recommendations of the Future of Media Commission, under the understanding that these functions of Coimisiún na Meán would be funded by industry in 2024.
CnaM has now made a levy order, imposing a levy on video-on-demand (VOD) and designated online services to, at a minimum, fund functions related to the OSMR Act 2022 (i.e. regulation of VOD and designated online services).
At end June 2024, Coimisiún na Meán had 164 members of staff and has a further 32 staff recruited and due to join over the summer. This number is an increase from a headcount of 44 at the time of establishment.
