Seanad debates
Wednesday, 15 October 2003
Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill 2001: Committee Stage. - Local Radio Licensing: Motion.
I agree with Senator Kenneally that radio wavelengths are subject to restrictions for the purpose of conformity but there is a contradiction in talking about liberalisation for other areas while this does not apply to radio licences. At the end of the day, consumer choice will dictate what radio stations are being listened to. If such a liberalisation came about, and assuming the radio band widths could cope with it, one would find legitimate stations capturing certain niches. If the type of music played on local radio stations is not entertaining for older people, are we right to deprive them of a chance of listening to the music of their choice? I have received telephone calls from elderly people asking me if there is any possibility of restoring a radio station that has gone off the air. They are extremely concerned about it, even though such a station may have been put off the air quite legitimately by the authorities. That is one dilemma concerning unlicensed radio stations.
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