Independent Broadcasters of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Independent Broadcasters of Ireland

Date published 23 Dec, 2025

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Communications

Period 1 Sep, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025

Specific Details Advocating for fair, proportionate and accessible funding for the public service content on independent radio stations in the Budget and in policy discussions. Seeking level playing field.

Intended results Inclusion of accessible funding for independent radio sector in Budget, as well as measures to ensure existing funding could be accessed. Fair share of Sound and Vision funding to be allocated to independent radio. Measures to ensure a level playing field in regulatory and legislative terms for independent stations and fair application of State Aid in the media landscape, as well as unrestricted and prominent access for listeners to radio in vehicles or on devices or platforms. Budget allocation for accessible funding for investment in capital and maintenance of emergency communications transmission equipment. Attendance invited for event aimed at highlighting need to protect prominent access for radio, and arrangement of meetings and highlighting IBI policy priorities

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Michael Kelly, CEO IBI

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? Yes

What is the directive you gave to the grassroots campaigners? Member stations were asked to contact local TDs and Senators where possible and relevant to ask that IBI's Budget submission would be considered and that they would relay the measures requested to decision makers.

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (31-50)

Emails to TDs, MEPs and Senators, Government Ministers, Members of Oireachtas Media Committee, Department of Media officials and officials of Coimisiún na Meán and Comreg. Re policy and budget proposals. Seeking meetings and support and communicating our position on regulatory and policy issues. Thanking stakeholders for engagement.

Letter (11-20)

Letters to Government Ministers, Department of Media officials, and officials of officials of Coimisiún na Meán and Comreg and Comreg. Re policy and budget proposals and seeking information on policy decisions.

Meeting (6-10)

Meetings with officials in the Department of Media, Minister for Media, and officials of officials of Coimisiún na Meán. To explain our proposals, concerns and objectives and the value our sector brings.

Virtual Meeting (6-10)

Meetings with officials in the Department of Media and officials of Coimisiún na Meán on policy proposals and initiatives.

Informal communication (2-5)

Informal meetings at events/awards functions.

Social Media (2-5)

Messages on social media re IBI matters and relevant information and outreach.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Simon Harris Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Defence)

Jack Chambers Minister (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Finance)

Caroline O'Loughlin Head of Unit (Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht)

Theresa Newman Special Adviser (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media)

Ronan O'Domhnaill, Comisiun na Mean Director (Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs)

Aoife MacEvilly Commissioner (Coimisiún na Meán)

Niamh Hodnett Online Safety Commissioner (Coimisiún na Meán)

Sinead Crowley Director (Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht)

Clare Diamond Director (Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht)

Holly Cairns TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Malcolm Byrne TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Carol Nolan TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Brian Brennan TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Mark Duffy Senator (Seanad)

Michael McNamara MEP (European Parliament)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin MEP (European Parliament)

Barry Cowen MEP (European Parliament)

Barry Andrews MEP (European Parliament)

Sean Kelly MEP (European Parliament)

Lynn Boylan MEP (European Parliament)

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP (European Parliament)

Alison Comyn Senator (Seanad)

Micheál Martin Taoiseach (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael McNamara MEP (European Parliament)

Regina Doherty MEP (European Parliament)

Michael Collins TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Sean Canney Minister of State (Department of Transport)

Robert O'Donoghue TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Matt Carthy TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Billy Kelleher MEP (European Parliament)

Regina Doherty MEP (European Parliament)

Kathleen Funchion MEP (European Parliament)

Nina Carberry MEP (European Parliament)

Peter 'Chap' Cleere TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Ciaran Mullooly MEP (European Parliament)

Patrick O'Donovan Minister (Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht)