Media Pluralism in Ireland

As of 2024, in print, radio and television, Irish media markets predominantly lie in foreign hands. The commercial incentives to serve local audiences with at least some local content aside, means that the Irish market is subject to considerations beyond the immediate political, cultural and commercial needs of Irish audiences.

There are many ways to describe and understand a national media market but at a minimum it should include consumption and revenue data. While a lot of data is readily available with regard to the Irish market, it does not necessarily mean it is useful.

How a multitude of media titles depend on a handful of intermediaries.
In a digital era where content appears to flow directly from the media outlet to our screens, it is easy to overlook the less-heralded aspects of the business of media: printing presses, the physical distribution of newspapers and periodicals and the work involved in securing the advertising revenues that remains the lifeblood of the commercial media sector.