Seanad debates
Tuesday, 11 November 2003
Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage.
In moving this amendment I hope that at least two thirds of the funding could be allocated towards the development of community radio and television. It is also important to bear in mind that there are certain impediments in the community area. For example, independent radio can advertise for ten minutes but local or community radio is limited to six minutes and the overall contribution from commercial activity must only be 50%. As a result, local community radio and television may have to depend on raffles, sponsorships, cake sales and a plethora of activity for support. We will have to recognise there is considerable expenditure involved in community radio which I will illustrate by way of one simple example. West Limerick Community Radio is on air on a pilot basis. It has submitted an application, which is being assessed by officials, to operate on a long-term basis. It will cover a large geographical area in west Limerick and, based on its success to date, will appeal to local activities. There will, however, be considerable start-up costs. In addition, there will be associated costs because not everybody will work on a voluntary basis and people will be needed at the top to deal with commercial activities. If we are serious about getting this off the ground, it should be possible to earmark two thirds of overall funding for community radio and television.
No comments