Time to support Kildare broadcasters by waiving Broadcast Levy – HEYDON

Friday, 21 October 2022 15:10

By Clem Ryan

The levy is a considerable charge on all radio stations annually

It is time to support local broadcasters in Kildare such as KFM by waiving or significantly reducing the broadcast levy, Fine Gael Minister and Kildare South TD Martin Heydon has said.

Minister Heydon said, “The broadcast levy covers the operating costs of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). The establishment of the Future of Media Commission, which is set to replace the BAI, affords us the opportunity to give local broadcasters a badly needed break and either waive or significantly reduce this levy.

“I understand Government has committed €7.5m to this new Commission, and from 2024 on it is set to receive a stream of income with the levy to be paid by social media companies. So, with the funding of this new entity secured, we can show our support for small local independent broadcasters such as KFM by removing the burden of this levy.

“Fine Gael made a submission to the Future of the Media Commission and in it we highlighted the reach of local media and its reputation as a reliable and authoritative news source when evaluating what constitutes public service.

“Kfm is a vital element of that public service and fills a very important role in Kildare. It and other regional stations need to be supported to ensure their survival.

“Kildare residents trust and value their local news sources and they are not alone. The report of the Future of Media Commission states that over 70% of people have a high trust in our local and regional media compared to 30% in news we get through social media. It is absolutely vital we support the continuation of a strong local media sector.

“The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill, which is the relevant legislation, is back before the Oireachtas Committee shortly and Fine Gael members of the Committee will make it a priority to table an amendment removing the requirement for local broadcasters to pay this levy”, concluded Minister Heydon.