Seanad debates
Wednesday, 15 October 2003
Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill 2001: Committee Stage. - Local Radio Licensing: Motion.
I want to select two of the issues addressed by the report to demonstrate the complexity of this area. The report addressed the issue of licence rollover and an appeals process. On the licence rollover, an argument can be made that where an incumbent has met all licence conditions and provides a high quality service, there is scope for an automatic renewal. The outcome would be that the public in the franchise area concerned would continue to have a local radio service that they valued. However, there would be a possible downside to that. If the licence was open to competition, it is possible that another provider would come forward with an even better offering. The approach adopted must always be informed by what is best for the audience and the public.
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