The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland has welcomed the approval of the Cabinet to reduce the levy payable by independent radio stations to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.
The reduction, which will see the levy charged to Ireland’s independent radio stations reduced by up to 50%, a move which will have a significant impact on the local, regional and national independent radio stations.
John Purcell, Chairman of the IBI said “The proposals accepted by Cabinet today show that Fine Gael and Independent Government Ministers have not only an understanding but also an appreciation of the valuable public service contribution of independent radio stations throughout the country. The reduction of the broadcasting levy is recognition of the importance of independent radio to the 2.5 million people who choose IBI radio stations as their station of choice on a daily basis.
The commitment to scrapping the burden of the broadcasting levy on independent radio stations was included in the Fine Gael election manifesto and confirmed by Minister for Communications Denis Naughten in February of this year when he announced plans to reduce the levy for all independent radio broadcasters.