Time to support local broadcasters and waive levy

It is time to support local broadcasters and waive the broadcast levy, two Fine Gael politicians have said.

Longford based Senator Micheál Carrigy, who is Fine Gael’s Seanad spokesperson on Media said,

“The Broadcasting levy is currently in place to cover the operation costs of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). The establishment of the Future of Media Commission which is set to replace the BAI, affords us the opportunity to give local broadcasters a badly needed break and waive this levy.

“I understand Government has committed €7.5m to this new Commission, and from 2024 on it is set to receive a stream of income with the levy to be paid by social media companies. So, with the funding of this new entity secured, we can show our support for small local independent broadcasters by removing the burden of this levy.”

Deputy Ciaran Cannon said, “Our Fine Gael submission to the Future of the Media Commission highlighted the reach of local media and its reputation as a reliable and authoritative news source when evaluating what constitutes public service.

“Our radio stations are a vital element of that public service and need to be supported to ensure their survival.”

Senator Carrigy added, “The report of the Future of Media Commission states that over 70% of people have a high trust in our local and regional media compared to 30% in the news we get through social media. It is absolutely vital we support the continuation of strong local media sector.

“The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill which is the relevant legislation, is back before the Oireachtas Committee shortly and we will make it a priority to table an amendment removing the requirement for local broadcasters to pay this levy,” the Senator said.