Embargoed until 5pm, 15th May 2008
The latest JNLR figures released today (15th May) have given independent radio stations cause for celebration. With a combined market share of daily listenership (7am – 7pm) of 63.7% the independent radio sector has consolidated its position in the hearts, minds and radio dials of the Irish public. Weekday reach figures show that every day 2.296 million Irish people choose independent commercial radio stations.
Commenting on the figures, Willie O Reilly, Chairman of IBI said: ’63.7% of the Irish public tuning into independent radio stations on a daily basis reinforces Minister Eamon Ryan’s message yesterday at the launch of the Broadcasting Bill that independent radio is the success story of the past 20 years, it is now the main public service broadcaster in Ireland.
The launch of the Broadcasting Bill yesterday and in particular the introduction of a single broadcasting regulator will ensure that independent commercial broadcasters continue to flourish in the Irish marketplace. While we welcome the Bill we are a bit concerned about the re-introduction of a levy on broadcasters to fund the regulator and we will be looking for representation on the Board of the BAI to ensure accountability by the regulator to the independent commercial sector.”
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For further information please contact:
Lisa Ni Choisdealbha, Development Director , IBI – Tel: 087 2038956
Willie O Reilly, Chairman , IBI – Tel : 01 8049000
About IBI
The IBI is the representative organisation for Ireland’s independent commercial broadcasting sector. The mission of the IBI is to champion the agenda of the independent commercial broadcasters in Ireland and to be a distinct and coherent national voice in the ongoing campaign for competitive equality across the sector. It seeks to achieve fair treatment for its members within the broadcasting environment through appropriate legislation, regulation and funding.
