Public service media's relevanceFirst, should public service media continue to exist at all in an increasingly fragmented media landscape? Yet there is still space for aspiration: we argue that public service media — defined by the Public Media Alliance as publicly owned multi-platform media organisations providing relevant, credible and impartial news, entertainment, and education to their audiences — remain an important counterpoint to both international streaming platforms and purely commercial media. RTÉ and BBC in a united IrelandIf we accept some form of public service media is important, the second key question is what would a united Ireland mean for RTÉ and the BBC? Marketisation, little or no formal public service media provision, and commercial media dominance. This option, “Public Media Ireland”, would protect jobs and pension provisions in both, recognising the existing value and skillsets within these organisations.

Source: Irish Examiner January 14, 2026 00:50 UTC