Latest news with #MarkScanlon
Irish Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
‘Netflix levy' will raise costs for domestic streamers like GAA+ and LOITV, committee hears
Large multinational streaming platforms like Disney+ and Netflix should be taxed at a higher rate than domestic streamers if the Government introduces a content levy to fund indigenous television and film production, an Oireachtas committee heard on Tuesday. League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Media that the so-called 'Netflix levy' would raise operating costs for the league's streaming site, LOITV. The site operates on a 'break-even basis' and all of the revenues from subscriptions are ploughed back into the participating clubs, he told committee members. 'So all the costs are being covered at this moment in time, production costs and then also costs [of hiring] commentators,' Mr Scanlon said. Any levy would impact our ability to deliver the service.' READ MORE Noel Quinn, head of marketing at the GAA and its streaming platform, GAA+, also told the committee that the levy would increase its production costs. He said the Coalition should give 'careful consideration' to how any levy is imposed with reference to the 'disparity of ethos and resourcing between indigenous self-perpetuating organisations like the GAA and global content behemoths'. The committee, which is currently scrutinising the Government's Broadcasting Amendment Bill, will hear from representatives of the RTÉ trade union group later on Tuesday evening. Worker representatives are expected to tell TDs and senators that they were not consulted before the broadcaster's recent decision to effectively close its religious affairs programming department and switch production to the private sector. More to follow ...
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Mental health survey of League of Ireland footballers finds alarming trend among part-time players
PART-TIME players are more likely to suffer from anxiety than their full-time counterparts, according to the first-ever mental health study of League of Ireland footballers. The SETU review, which was commissioned by the And its main findings were 63 per cent of respondents had at least one symptom of common mental disorder, while early school leavers were more likely to suffer from anxiety. Full-time footballers were also least likely to have mental health issues, while older players were less likely to seek help. The report also showed that goalkeepers were more likely to have symptoms of common mental disorder than any other position. The PFAI have sought funding from the world players' body FIFPro to put in place greater supports for members. Read More On Irish Football LOI director Mark Scanlon said: 'This report is a welcome first step in looking into the crucially important, yet under-researched, area of mental health amongst footballers in the League of Ireland. 'As the profile of the League of Ireland continues to grow, this brings extra pressure and attention to clubs and players and it is important that we ensure that the well-being of our players is always at the forefront of any decision-making process. 'This excellent report brings together crucial stakeholders in the game, and we hope that it will be the beginning of a journey of further research into this important topic. 'We look forward to working with the PFA Ireland and SETU Ireland as well as players, coaches and match officials to help break the stigma and encourage open conversations regarding mental health and well-being.' Most read in Football PFA Ireland general secretary Stephen McGuinnness said: 'This research shows some of the additional mental health challenges faced by players in the professional football industry in Ireland. 'It highlights the necessity of the supports we already provide our members in PFA Ireland and gives some insight towards additional supports that will be needed to support players in the future. Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil coach as former Chelsea boss makes history after leaving Real Madrid 'We look forward to undertaking further research in this area.' 1 League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon called the report 'a welcome first step' into improving the mental health of domestic footballers
