Media Ownership Matters

Mass media influence the way facts are viewed and debated in society. Independence and pluralism in media, public opinion and views – including criticism of people in power – are the safeguards of a healthy democracy. Monitoring and ensuring ownership pluralism is the first step toward independence and freedom of choice.

How can people evaluate the reliability of information if they don't know who provides it? How can journalists work properly if they don't know who controls the company they work for? And how can media authorities address excessive media concentration if they don't know who is behind the media’s steering wheel? Ownership structure may also affect the way the media industry manages its resources. It shapes the economic strength and efficiency of the media sector which is of particular interest to potential investors.

Find out more about 'Who owns the media?' in our database.

The information on this website is subject to regular review, based on information provided by media outlets and companies as well as public records. In light of any relevant development in Ireland, information displayed on the website is subject to change accordingly.

Media & Owners

Media

Owner

Key Findings

Media Ownership

Internationalisation of News 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.

Media Market Transparency

How to measure without a yardstick?

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.

Vertical Concentration

The Gatekeepers

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.

Indicators of Risk to Media Pluralism