Boost for Mayo radio stations as broadcasting levy is reduced

LOCAL radio in Mayo will greatly benefit from the reduction in the broadcasting levy approved by cabinet this week.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny stated that Irish people love listening to their local radio stations.

He elaborated: 'They play an essential role in bringing our communities together and keeping us informed and entertained. The reduction in the broadcasting levy approved by Cabinet this week is a welcome initiative for the sector and one which I wholeheartedly welcome.

“This reduction will reduce the broadcasting levy by up to 50% and we would expect that smaller community radio stations will be exempted altogether.

'This is a major boost for our local and regional independent radio stations, such as Midwest Radio, Westport Radio, Community Radio Castlebar (CRC fm), Claremorris Community Radio and Ballina Communtiy Radio.

“These stations provide a great local service and are an intrinsic part of our local community. Not only does Local radio stations keep us connected with what’s going on in the locality here in Mayo they also provide a very important service to the Irish diaspora worldwide.

“Regulated broadcasters currently pay between €30,000 and €200,000 a year under the levy, and it has been a key commitment of Fine Gael to reduce it.”

Reacting to the announcement, John Purcell, chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, also welcomed the reduction.

“The proposals accepted by Cabinet 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 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 TD.”

Minister Naughten said: “The sector needs to be nurtured and supported. I want to provide more flexibility for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in how it applies the levy to all broadcasters including community and hospital radio stations.”