The media watchdog is seeking views on the operation of a new scheme aimed at boosting coverage of court hearings across the country.

Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM) has also opened a public consultation on a separate scheme designed to increase coverage of local authorities.

The regulator says that it will finalise and launch the schemes after the consultation processes, which have a deadline of Thursday 2 May (12pm) for submissions.

The schemes are based on recommendations from the Report of the Future of Media Commission, and are being set up on an administrative basis, with €5 million in funding secured by Catherine Martin (Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports, and Media).

Online portal

A figure of €6 million for the funds had been initially cited when an implementation strategy for the report was published last year.

The new journalism schemes will be open to applications from journalists and media outlets – including broadcast, print and online platforms – in both the Irish and English languages.

CnaM says that it will ensure that all content funded under the schemes is available in both Irish and English on an online portal, where the content will also be archived.

“The €5 million available under these schemes will ensure that local media can continue to perform its vital role in reporting on matters of public interest and improving access to trusted, quality information,” said Rónán Ó Domhnaill (media development commissioner, CnaM).