Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport

General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill: Discussion (Resumed)

2:00 am

Mr. John Purcell:

We can address the radio questions. I thank the Deputy for his previous support. It is much appreciated. Regarding how to improve the Bill from a radio point of view, platform neutrality does not work for us. Radio has a special status; we are regulated and we pay a levy to the broadcasting regulator. This is the broadcasting Bill - the particular duties and responsibilities of broadcasters should be recognised. Platform neutrality does not work. We would like ring-fenced funding for broadcasters and independent radio and for additionality, a key stumbling block for us, to be addressed.

Mr. Kelly might take on the loss of advertising revenue to the platforms.