Sinn Féin spokesperson on Culture, Communications and Sport, Joanna Byrne TD, has warned that local radio stations across Ireland could face closures unless urgent legislative action is taken to protect the sector.
The Louth and East Meath TD made the comments following a meeting of the Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport hearing on the broadcast levy increase this year, which included contributions from the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán.
Teachta Byrne said:
“Local radio stations, like LMFM, are know and trusted everywhere. Walk into any household in the morning or afternoon and you will hear the familiar voices of local presenters keeping everyone informed on local news, local democracy and court updates for example.
“I was devastated to hear that the LMFM station manager and three of five of the newsroom staff are being let go recently. There are pressures on local radio stations now that have never been there before.
“On top of those pressures they are trying to compete with the online platforms. Then we have the huge broadcast levy increase this year.
“The levy increased by an average of 39% when the commercial revenue generated for the local radio industry increased by only 0.9%. This represents an increase of 69% over the past two years. The majority of SMEs would be adversely affected by any bill increasing by that amount.”
“The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland also detailed now their members cannot properly appeal this increase. Coimisiún na Meán has said the number of complaints about radio was a factor contributing to increased regulatory costs, but based on their own published figures, independent radio stations were the subject of just 36 complaints over a period of almost three years. It’s a very unfair situation.
“The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland articulated their concerns very clearly, that increased fees could mean more job losses and possible closures in local radio stations. This is not something I will sit by and allow to happen. We have the Broadcasting Bill coming back to committee for further discussion in the coming weeks. I will be submitting a number of amendments to this Bill that are required to protect local radio stations.
“This cannot be put on the long finger. There is urgent action required from us as legislators and I will ensure that the necessary steps are taken to ensure the long-term survival of all of our local radio stations.”
