Seanad debates

Tuesday, 4 November 2003

Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

I fully agree with the emphasis of other Senators, particularly Senators Finucane and O'Meara, on the importance of community radio and the potential the provisions of the Bill have to give that extra degree of support for community radio stations. I am somewhat concerned, and have expressed this on a number of occasions in a Tipperary context where the local radio, which was commercial in status but community in character, will have its status changed to "community" from next February. There are real concerns about the ability to maintain employment and the quality of programming. I am not entirely satisfied that a sufficiently level playing field exists between the commercial and community sectors. I suspect Senator O'Meara may be right when she says this Bill does provide the ability to help, but in a fairly small way. I certainly hope that as the Bill goes through the Oireachtas, close attention will be paid to that to see if any means may be found to strengthen the content of support for community radio. This is not really quantified at the moment. As the Minister of State said, much of the detail has still to be worked out. I would like to see community radio stations given the freedom at least to break even, and to collect whatever advertising and other revenue they need to do that rather than being overly hamstrung.

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