Communications Committee to meet independent broadcasters to mark 25 year milestone

14 July 2014

The meeting is likely to assess the impact of independent broadcasters on Irish life over the past 25 years and touch on the policy steps required to safeguard the vibrancy in the sector.

Chairman of the Committee John O’Mahony TD says: “Capital Radio in Dublin and Mid-West Radio in Co Mayo were launched in July 1989, heralding a new era in Irish broadcasting. In the intervening 25 year period, independent broadcasting has developed and flourished to play an indispensable role in Ireland's media landscape. The independent sector now comprises two national radio stations, 27 local radio stations, four regional radio stations and one multi-city radio station. Often deeply rooted in the communities they serve, independent radio stations are listened to by over 2.5 million people daily.  Tomorrow's meeting is a valuable opportunity to take stock of the achievements of independent broadcasters and to assess where the challenges lie in securing the future of the sector.”
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The meeting takes place tomorrow Tuesday 15 July at 5 pm in Committee Room 2, LH 2000. The meeting 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
Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926

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