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Media Minister Rules Out Any Possibility Of Removing Broadcasting Levy

Tuesday, 1 November 2022 17:26

Catherine Martin confirmed her position to Laois Offaly Independent TD Carol Nolan.

The Minister for Media has ruled out any possibility of removing the broadcasting levy currently being applied to the independent radio sector despite the fact that it is estimated to cost the sector approximately €2.5 million per annum.

Catherine Martin confirmed her position to Independent TD for Laois-Offaly, Carol Nolan, following a parliamentary question on the matter.

Minister Martin stated that the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Bill, which is currently before the Oireachtas, will dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and establish a new body, Coimisiún na Meán, which will oversee a new regulatory framework for broadcasting. This framework will include the continuation of the BAI levy:

“Independent radio is a much-loved part of rural life. Indeed, for many households it is the background music to daily life. It is a trusted and valued means through which our local communities can access information from people they know, trust and respect,” said Deputy Nolan.

“In that sense it is deeply regrettable that Minister Catherine Martin has chosen to continue her legislative support for a levy that is placing a costly and unnecessary financial burden on local independent radio.”

“This is in stark contrast to the extremely generous position that the Minister and this Government have adopted with respect to the €16m VAT concession to newspapers that was announced in Budget 2023. My sense is that there ought to be a clear movement toward parity of esteem in this area; but unfortunately, we have seen no sign of that to date.”

“I will continue to push for the abolition of the levy on independent radio so that it can continue to provide the kind of service that it currently excels at,” Deputy Nolan concluded.

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