The former CEO of Ocean FM Radio has described a new broadcasting Bill anounced by Fianna Fail this morning as ‘a huge breakthrough for local radio.”
Tim Collins, a director of the Independent Broacasters of Ireland, says the Bill recognises the public service role that local radio stations play.
Details of the Bill have been announced by Deputy Timmy Dooley.
It provides for assistance to support news, current affairs and information programming on independent radio.
Mr Collins says that under the Bill, money would not be taken away from RTE but from an improved collection of licence fees.
He adds that although the Bill will probably be changed as it goes through the Oireachtas, today is nevertheless ‘a red letter day for local radio.’
