“It remains a fact, in print, radio and television, Irish media markets predominantly lie in foreign hands”.
Bauer Media, Wireless Radio, Virgin Media, Mediahuis, News Ireland, Reach PLC and DMG Media Ireland.
Ireland has only two National Commercial Radio Stations Sold by Denis O Brien to a German Media Conglomerate in 2021.
Irish Newswire Sold On As Well
In February 2021, Communicorp Group, owned by businessman Denis O’Brien, was sold to Bauer Media Audio for a reported sum exceeding €100 million. This acquisition included major Irish radio stations Newstalk, Today FM, 98FM, Spin 1038, and Spin Southwest. The deal marked Bauer’s entry into the Irish market, with the company later rebranding the group as Bauer Media Audio Ireland.
It is quite obvious to Irish people now that as elements of larger international conglomerates have basically taken over our media market, this means that the Irish market is subject to considerations far beyond just the immediate political, cultural and commercial needs of these companies. But what are they?
Why didn’t our consecutive governments protect our National Media
Why didn’t our consecutive governments protect the one thing that every country needs to ensure fundamental rights and a democratic society? They just sat back and handed most of our media to foreign companies.
Was this a criminal act against, our Irish state, our independent Sovereignty resulting in years of harmful psychological and even physical attacks on Irish people.
15 Million Euro funding for 2026
The commercial incentives to Foreign Media , 15 Million Euro funding in 2026 to serve local audiences with Reverse Racism, Gender and DEI ideology is relentless. This money does not include the millions of advertising revenue these media companies have and will generate from government and government NGO’s and other businesses. Reports indicate, in the region of 25 million euro a year in some instances.
Government Ministers stating that if you don’t go along with the government narrative you can not get any of this funding. Foreign companies who have no reason to be operating in Ireland can get it no bother.
Now that they failed to protect our media they don’t want Irish people reporting the truth in Ireland anymore. Here is democracy being destroyed and eroded.
But this is what you hear from Coimisiún na Meán.
Mission
We regulate, support and develop
a media landscape that underpins
fundamental rights and fosters an open,
democratic and pluralistic society
“An open and democratic society” how could that be remotely true? When nearly all the media in Ireland is owned by foreign companies?
From Coimisiún na Meán.
This Strategy Statement sets out our
strategic framework for the three years
from 2025 to 2027 inclusive
Democracy: A media landscape
that supports democracy and
democratic values, underpins civic
discourse, and reduces the impact of
disinformation.
Trust A media landscape that
consumers can trust, and
where they are protected from
exploitation
Irish culture and media:
A media landscape that is sustainable,
pluralistic and participative, and that
reflects and shapes who we are as society
Decmocracy – Trust – Irish Culture and Media
We are delighted to share our first three-year Strategy for Coimisiún na Meán. It represents a significant milestone for our young organisation, setting out our vision for a vibrant and healthy media landscape in Ireland.
This wasn’t created in isolation; it’s the result of careful consideration,in-depth analysis, and valuable input from staff and stakeholders. We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed their time and insights
“One thing that will not change is the importance of the media landscape in supporting democracy. Independent, high quality editorial decision-making, journalism and content creation are essential to a functioning liberal democracy. These need to be defended and promoted, now more than ever“
Given the critical role of news media in constituting the Irish public sphere then, the influence that the location of ownership has on the corporate priorities of news organisations is a far from trivial matter. This is a quote from media monitor”: https://ireland.mom-gmr.org/en/findings/internationalisation-of-media-ownership/
“An unprecedented scale, the sale of Irish, TV, radio and print media outlets to large foreign media companies“.
So what is actually going on here in Ireland?
Why did our Government in the past few years allow on, an unprecedented scale, the sale of Irish, TV, radio and print media outlets to large foreign media companies? Why was this allowed?
We ask the politicians and different department heads who were involved in these sales and acquisitions for answers. Coimisiún na Meán – Competition Authority – Ministers for Communications – Heads of Political Parties.
The Head of Coimisiún na Meán is English
The Head of RTE is English
We ask foreign media companies why they needed to buy up media on to the scale they have bought, print, TV and radio, media here in our small country? What could it be: Greed, political power, or something more sinister? The search for answers is on.
Key Aspects of Foreign Media Ownership in Ireland (2025–2026):
Key Details on Media Ownership in Ireland:
- Foreign Ownership Presence: Many Irish media outlets are owned by foreign entities, including Bauer Media (Germany), Mediahuis (Belgium), News Ireland (US/News Corp), and Reach PLC (UK).
- Regional Newspapers: Iconic Newspapers, which publishes over 20 regional newspapers in Ireland, is British-owned.
- Exceptions: While the majority of commercial media is foreign-owned, public service media (RTÉ) and some other entities like The Irish Times (held in a trust) remain in Irish hands.
- Minimal Restrictions: Irish law does not prevent non-Irish entities from owning media outlets. As of 2024, only RTÉ (public service) and the Irish Times Group remain largely in Irish hands. Major groups like Bauer Media (Germany), Mediahuis (Belgium), and various UK entities dominate the market.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Screening: The Screening of Third Country Transactions Act 2023 enables the state to review investments from outside the EEA (European Economic Area) on security or public order grounds. This specifically applies to media services.
- European Media Freedom Act (EMFA): As of August 2025, the EMFA is directly applicable, requiring stricter transparency regarding beneficial owners of media outlets.
- Media Mergers Regime: While foreign ownership is permitted, mergers (including foreign-to-foreign ones) must still be notified to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Minister if they exceed certain turnover thresholds, particularly if they affect media plurality.
- Shift in Oversight: The General Scheme of the Media Regulation Bill (July 2025) proposes shifting responsibility for evaluating media mergers from the Minister to Coimisiún na Meán (the Media Commission), with a focus on protecting plurality rather than limiting ownership origin.
Conclusion
While it is true that Irish law does not restrict foreign ownership, it is no longer accurate to say there are no constraints. Instead, the focus has shifted toward screening non-EEA investors for security reasons and enhancing transparency of ownership via the EMFA.
This is all too late when all the media is sold off
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This is the list of the people who were responsible for our now sold off media
1987–1989: Ray Burke (Fianna Fáil) – Minister for Communications
(Oversaw the 1988 Act legalizing independent radio; first licences awarded under his tenure.)1989–1992:
(Various short terms under Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrats coalitions, including Burke briefly again, then others like Michael Davern or Noel Treacy in Communications roles.)1992–1993:
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn (Fianna Fáil) – Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (broadcasting aspects).1993–1994:
Michael D. Higgins (Labour) – Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (with broadcasting elements during coalition shifts).1994–1997:
Various (Fine Gael/Labour/Democratic Left rainbow government), including Hugh Coveney or Emmet Stagg in Transport/Energy/Communications.1997–2002:
Noel Dempsey (Fianna Fáil) – Minister for the Environment and Local Government, then Public Enterprise (communications/broadcasting moved around).2002–2007:
Noel Dempsey (continued), then Noel O’Flynn as committee chair but ministers like
Dermot Ahern (Communications, Marine and Natural Resources).2007–2011: Eamon Ryan (Green Party) – Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (2007–2011), overseeing digital transition and Broadcasting Act 2009.2011–2016:
Pat Rabbitte (Labour) – Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (2011–2014); then Alex White (2014–2016).2016–2020:
Denis Naughten (Independent) – Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (2016–2017); then Denis Naughten briefly, followed by
Richard Bruton (Fine Gael, 2018–2020).2020–2022: Eamon Ryan (Green) – Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (broadcasting under this title).2022–2025:
(Shifts including Eamon Ryan continued until changes).2025–present:
Darragh O’Brien (Fianna Fáil) – Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment (as of January 2025; broadcasting/media policy remains under this or related environment/communications remit).
Current (as of February 2026): Patrick O’Donovan (Fine Gael) – Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport (current primary title overseeing broadcasting, media policy, RTÉ, Coimisiún na Meán, and related areas like arts/culture integration).
Media Listings
