29 Apr 2014, 10:55
Community radio and television advocates are before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications tomorrow to consider the proposed new broadcasting charge and related issues of concern for community broadcasters.
Representatives from the Irish Community Radio Movement CRAOL, the newly-established Irish TV and Dublin Community TV are before the Committee.
Chairman of the Committee John O’Mahony TD says: “Committee Members are very much aware of the commitment of the community radio and television to the communities they serve. Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to hear from CROAL, who represent the 24 established community radio stations nationwide, as well as stations in development. The representatives are expected to call for a bigger slice of the proposed broadcasting charge, which is scheduled to be introduced for all households next year.”
“The recent expansion announced by Co. Mayo based Irish TV, which includes a €15m investment and the creation of 150 jobs, is testament to the vibrancy and ambition within the sector. However, in straitened financial times, stark challenges face other broadcasters, with Dublin Community TV forced to wind down operations in late 2013 due to funding shortfalls. The contrasting fortunes of both TV stations are expected to form an engaging discussion tomorrow on the broadcasting charge and other funding issues.”
The meeting takes place tomorrow Wednesday 30 April at 12 noon in Committee Room 4, LH 2000. Public proceedings can be viewed online here.
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.
ENDS
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Committee on Transport and Communications
Deputies: John O’Mahony (Chair), Paudie Coffey (Vice-Chair), Michael Colreavy, Timmy Dooley, Dessie Ellis, Tom Fleming, Brendan Griffin, Noel Harrington, Seán Kenny, Éamonn Maloney, Helen McEntee, Michael Moynihan, Patrick O’Donovan, Ann Phelan and Mick Wallace
Senators: Sean D. Barrett, Terry Brennan, Éamonn Coghlan, Paschal Mooney, Ned O’Sullivan and John Whelan