Scott Williams, Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland expressed extreme disappointment with today’s decision by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
“The Authority should not have made this decision. In improving revenues for television, they have undermined the viability of many independent radio stations in Ireland.”
“While we welcome the belated attempts of the BAI to introduce flexibility in the amount and scheduling of advertising, it is too little too late.”
“The BAI made a wrong decision in failing to deal with this issue from the perspective of both radio and television together in a co-ordinated way.”
“We are calling on the Minister for Communications, Eamonn Ryan to act on the BAI recommendation and restore parity and ensure that this distortion of the market and discrimination against radio is ceased”.
-Ends-
About the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland
The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) is the representative body for Ireland’s independent commercial radio broadcasters. The mission of the IBI is to champion the agenda of independent broadcasters in Ireland and to be a distinct and coherent national voice in the ongoing campaign for competitive equality across the sector.
The independent voice of Ireland, 64.5% of the population tune into independent radio on a daily basis. This translates into weekday figures of 2.456 million listeners. With more than 1500 people employed in the sector, independent broadcasters make a significant economic, social and cultural contribution to the Irish economy. The IBI represents 2 national radio stations, 1 multicity radio station, 4 regional radio stations and 27 local radio stations. For more information please visit: www.ibireland.ie.
For information:
Lisa Ni Choisdealbha, Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, 087 2038956
Laurie Mannix, MKC Communications 01 7038620/ 086 8143710
