The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) has welcomed the announcement of €3 million for news and current affairs content by independent radio stations throughout Ireland.
The ringfenced funding was announced as part of yesterday’s Budget 2026.
Coimisiún na Meán will administer the funding on behalf of the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.
IBI represents independent local, regional, multi-city and national radio stations across Ireland who have over 2.5 million listeners daily.
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport also included €1 million in additional funding next year, to support digital transformation, and €1.4 million of additional funding for the Sound and Vision Scheme in 2026.
The government’s Counter-Disinformation Strategy will receive €1.1 million.
Funding will also continue for the Local Democracy and Court Reporting Schemes.
