We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS Alex White today published a document designed to make it harder for one person to own too much of the Irish media.
In draft guidelines on media mergers, the Minister warns of the dangers of our print, broadcast and online sectors being dominated by too few owners, calling it “undesirable.”
It runs counter to the public interest that the organs of free expression should be overly influenced and potentially controlled by any one individual, group or organisation.
As such it is undesirable to allow any one media business or individual to hold excessive significant interests within a sector or particularly across different sectors of media businesses.
The department’s most significant proposal is to subject any would-be merger or takeover in the media to a “public interest” test before being given the go-ahead.
White is inviting public consultation on how to manage media ownership.
Today’s guidelines come amid concerns over the interests of Denis O’Brien, who owns six radio stations as well as 30% of Independent News and Media – the group which operates the Irish Independent, among other titles.
Earlier this year, Independent TD Clare Daly told the Dáil that there are “very wealthy people…trying to block what goes into the media.”
She was joined by fellow Independent deputy Mick Wallace, who said:
People are afraid of the money and power of Denis O’Brien, he’s worth billions…His influence to shape the news is too great.
Wallace added that a “stronger streak of independence and objectivity” was needed in Irish media.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Labour had no problem allowing Denis O’Brien to amass a media empire as long as its propaganda machine could be used in their favour while in government. Now the penny is dropping that when they are no longer in government they’ll be fair game for INMs brand of filth journalism.
Paybacks a b1tch.
Its not retrospective – which means, that it is to his benefit as no one else will be able to amass the influence which he has.
Its actually a move to protect him!!
Media ownership needs reform until it paints Sinn Féin in a positive light.
@Gus good question but i think certain people let it slide
yet every move the governmet make seems to favour mr o brien doing exactly that
the question needs to be asked as to why one person wants to own large swathes of media
To make money?
Political influence…
For both political influence and profit.
Independent News and Media also owns NICarFinder and GrabOne – I don’t think either are too political.
Interestingly it also owns the New Zealand Herald…
Distilled media who own the Journal.ie, made their profit in property advertising during the ‘Celtic tiger’ boom years.
A fair and impartial media is vital for any democracy. Media have a lot of power and it needs to be used wisely and fairly.
It’s not just about INM – Communicorp too.
Good move my Mr White – I wonder will he look into the NTL/BSkyB (Liberty) monopoly next?
Hi Zoe,
Just to be clear on our status. TheJournal.ie is part of the Journal Media Group, which has some shareholders (namely Brian and Eamon Fallon) in common with Distilled Media. We’re not actually owned by Distilled Media.
Thanks
Sinead
News Editor
Too late. Can’t take it away from him now. They’re just cementing his position really.
Why can’t it be taken away from him? He could be ordered to reduce his shareholding in one or more of the media outlets in question.
Change ‘can’t’ with ‘sure as hell won’t’ so.
Sir Reilly was Fianna Fail’s propaganda master. Now DOB has ousted him from power and bankrupt him FG need to make sure their propaganda merchant stays at the top.
The outright hypocrisy of FG/Lab on this issue is so indicative of this government! Their darling boy, Lucky Denis does not even pay a cent in taxes in Ireland and yet controls so much of public opinion through his right wing rags!! Something seriously wrong here!!
I would have thought they are trying to reduce his control…
Mick Early Well said ! Crazy to think he controls the media, makes so much profit through his many companies and then pays his taxes elsewhere as he doesn’t live in Ireland ! I would never buy his rag full of nonsense and articles about the English Royals !
Hahahaha, that headline is the funniest thing I’ve read in quite a while.
I wish my offspring were as easily amused – buying Christmas presents would be so much easier.
How about, “one Irish media mogul owning the government! ” better?
Zzzzzing
Seriously easily amused. Imagine his mirth when he saw that Ronan Keating wants to be James Bond. He must have. Rolled down the floor
RTE is a more insidious state propaganda organ than any newspaper ever will be.
Very few people get their news from newspapers nowadays and there are more and more useful web news sites-like Al Jazeera and dare I say it: http://www.thejournal.ie.!
Al-Jazeera? You must be joking!!. The personal play-thing of the Al Thani dynasty that rules Qatar.
It worked for Nazi Germany……
That’s tihht and after we do live under a Blueshirt regime!!
Is there FG in Portland, Maine?
So why do they allow O’brien gain control what he has what about the Monopolies board.
The government doesn’t want anyone other than themselves owning the Irish media
And here was I thinking I’m the only one with a sense of humour…
I suppose he could get one of his kids to gain ownership of the indo. I’m sure the govt would be happy with that. That would then be two people owning all the media here.
A child would fall under the category of “near relative” as defined in the draft guidelines.
Near relatives are counted as also having a significant interest in media companies their relatives own.
Cupit
That would be a bit like FG and Labour,, both s***ing out of the same arse hole.
I’m sure that could be ironed out through legislation.
They are finally realising that the irish public have had enough.
Caught by the short and curlys.
The damage is done, no amount of back peddling is going to convince us of dennis o briens influence over the media and government.
so labour are PROMISING to do something about it, PROMISING, is it just me or does nobody else believe a word out of labour’s lying gob.
For a second there I thought DO’B was sporting a Donald Trump comb-over…….
But how will they be able to get into all the different pockets then.
An Phoblacht: Fair & Balanced.
An Phoblacht will print anything as long as it is anti-British; does not mention rape or sexual assault and glorifies those ‘republicans’ responsible for thousands dead and injured.
Tap he’s a troll dont bother he’s best ignored!@
Are people that stupid that they don’t understand this lad is a parody account and quite a humorous one at that. Cringe every time I see a serious response to him.
@Karen, Mr Solny is well aware that we are fervent ideological enemies and that I will forever counter his use of facts and logic with whatever obfuscation may be at my disposal.
Prov. Shinnerbot
Tap is a troll
Again, get the f$&k off your box!
@whynotme Tell me about it… this website is full of people who don’t agree unquestioningly with Sinn Féin i.e. trolls.
The rabbit saw fit to allow it wonder what was in it for the rabbit? There is nothing but venture capitalist bile in the indo these days all masquarading as news same with Newstalk. Mind RTE is a submissive and he who cannot be named does not own it???? Inda baby of course has the National Asslicker in fear so they might as well be the Indo
You have to ask about the mindset of any individual who actually WANTS to own all the media. It’s not about money, it’s about power and control and that’s a bit scary really.
LOL bit late chaps.
Fat useless parasite.
The fat of the lamb.
Bit like bolting the door after the horse has galloped and controls 30% of. the media. And made himself some cushy deals to install water meters.
One of the few times I find myself in agreement with Pinkie Wallace.
So why don’t they sell it off
Where were you Me White when Denis O Brien was not only buying up all the media but everything else too
Can they do something about the RTE Guide. Same crap every week.
Irish group think journalists… Art of the state, definitely not state of the art..
This discussion has zero to do with SF!
Your having a laugh Alex after what your colleague Mr rabbite was nick named during his time in tv land
The comment section of the journal is getting more and more entertaining.
The exchanges above are brilliant.
have your say