Broadcast Levy To Increase Costs For Small Radio Stations By Over €14,000 Per Year

Independent radio stations are calling on Media Minister Patrick O' Donovan to intervene

It has been announced that the broadcast levy will increase by 39% for radio stations across Ireland.

The levy is used to fund the independent regulator Comisiún na Meán.

Independent radio stations across the country say the rise in broadcasting fees has sent shockwaves through the sector.

They're calling on Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan to intervene.

The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) say it represents a hike of tens of thousands of euro for stations already battling tight margins.

Every radio station in the country has just been notified by Coimisiún na Meán of a huge increase in the Levy to be charged on the radio broadcasting sector for 2026.  The average Levy increase for radio is 39% year-on-year and, on top of further increases applied in 2025, this represents an average increase in the charge on the Irish radio sector over 2 years of 69%

This year’s proposed increase in the regulatory Levy for 2026 represents in many cases a hike of tens of thousands of euro imposed on individual stations, without any notice or warning, and came three months into the year.

The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) said it believes this increase in the Levy is not sustainable and the spiralling cost of regulating radio raises many serious issues.  There is very strong opposition among Members of IBI, and the organisation has today written to the Minister requesting his immediate intervention.

Michael Kelly, IBI Chief Executive said: “The 2026 Levy charge for Radio is far greater than the percentage charged to Online Services, Hosting Services, TV or Audiovisual media, and the increase for radio is unsustainable.”

“The increase in the broadcast Levy presents a significant economic challenge to all of IBI members, and for some, it is simply unaffordable. The radio market commercially – particularly at a local level – is challenged.  Our market has changed dramatically over the last fifteen years;  we now compete against global platforms for audience attention, and crucially, advertising revenue,” he said.

“The radio advertising market only grew by 0.9% last year in Ireland and margins remain tight.  It is deeply concerning that these radio Levy increases do not appear to recognise the financial realities in our market, and the problems that such a hike in regulatory fees would cause for our Members.  The increase comes at a time when businesses have major worries about levels of inflation.”

“Ireland’s licenced local, regional, multi-city, and national independent radio stations serve millions of listeners. They provide trusted news and current affairs, sports coverage, emergency information, entertainment, and companionship to their audiences.”

Editors’ notes:

Analysis based on CnaM Annual Reports, Levy Estimates and Orders

1. Levy

(2025 radio Levy was €2,655,364)

2. Levy as a percentage of revenue – comparison of media sectors

Sound broadcasting (radio):   2.8%  (on income >€500k)

Designated Online:                1.25%

TV:                                         1.21% (on income >€500k)

Audiovisual:                           0.61% (on income >€500k)

Hosting Services:                  0.54%      

Independent Broadcast of Ireland Chief Executive Michael Kelly says it's unaffordable, unfair.