The announcement that independent music radio station TXFM will close is a sad day for the radio sector according to John Purcell, Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI).
Purcell said “First and foremost the loss of the jobs in the station is a bitter blow for the people directly affected – they are part of a close knit community of over 1,500 people who work in Independent Radio throughout Ireland. Our thoughts and best wishes go to them. It is also a difficult day for the Management of Communicorp Group who have worked hard over the years to develop, grow and ensure the viability of the niche service.
The news is also a blow to the dedicated group of listeners who tuned in to the station over the years as well as the many Irish musicians and artists who have been championed by TXFM over the years. They have lost an important outlet for their work.
For broadcasting policy makers and legislators, the news of the closure should serve as a stark reminder of the challenges of operating in the Irish media market and the very thin margins between commercial viability and closure.
It is not as if they have not been warned! But although the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland has repeatedly spoken of viability issues over the years and highlighted the need for politicians to act to ensure closures like this do not happen, measures to reform and protect indigenous broadcasting have been non-existent. In the context of the huge changes that have taken place in broadcast media this is inexcusable. Sadly the closure of TXFM is an indictment of this inaction.
Purcell said “The incoming Government must act to introduce sensible reforms that will secure the future of all broadcasters. Although Independent Radio commands almost 70% market share of Irish radio listening, policy makers tend to be almost entirely pre-occupied with the welfare of RTÉ. The closure of TXFM is a sad reminder of the cost on jobs in sector and choice and service for listeners of this negligent attitude towards policy making”.
