Aoife MacEvilly has been appointed to head the media watchdog Coimisiún na Meán’s oversight of broadcasting regulation and video-on-demand services.

The new commissioner will join the executive chair and three commissioners in Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM).

She will lead the implementation of the regulator’s new functions in relation to video on demand, as well as taking responsibility for the organisation’s pre-existing broadcasting regulatory functions.

‘Key appointment’

“This is a key appointment, not only in terms of ensuring the effective regulation of the audio and audio-visual media sector, but also in relation to promoting the development of a robust, sustainable, and pluralistic media sector which serves the needs of audiences,” said Catherine Martin (Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media).

MacEvilly was a member of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) from October 2014 to July 2024, and was appointed chair from February 2020 to 2023.

She had previously worked in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and in the private sector.

At the end of June 2024, CnaM had 164 members of staff, with a further 32 recruited and due to join over the summer.