Mr. Declan Gibbons:

On the benefit to the State, the contribution of community radio to community development is already well documented in research commissioned by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Through a judicious deployment of public funds, RTE and community media can thrive and provide an enhanced form of public service broadcasting. Community radio is host to a wide range of diversity of ownership and socioeconomic attitudes.

Community media are best placed to provide for and protect a plurality of opinions. A network of independent, communally owned media will be unavailable in any private takeover and, with adequate financial support, can add to media diversity.